Two generations of deliberative democracy and Russian national identity development

Introduction: The concept of deliberative democracy started in the West in the 1990s, and since then has occupied a dominant position in Western normative democratic theory. However, this concept is not homogeneous and has undergone significant changes since its inception. The application of relevant theoretical developments to Russian realities involves considering these circumstances. Objectives: to consider the evolution of ideas about deliberative democracy, as well as to assess the conception significance in the context of formation of a general civil Russian narrative associated with the development of a consolidating identity. Methods: generalization and comparative analysis method, with an emphasis on the relationship between deliberative democracy and discourse ethics. Results: it is pointed out that initially the conception of deliberative democracy assumed that governance should be based on a rational discussion of social problems aimed at achieving consensus. The value of consensus, in turn, was justified, among other things, through the category of moral truth. However, in the beginning of the 21st century, a few authors questioned that deliberation should be reduced to a rational discussion. In addition, theorists began to emphasize that it is almost impossible to achieve unanimity; as a result, consensus started to be viewed as not the goal of an ideal discussion. Hence, the importance of personal interest, integrity and sincerity in public discussions has changed. Conclusions: it is stated that today it is customary to distinguish between two generations of deliberative democrats: the first advocates the need for discussions as close as possible to Habermas’s rational discourse and aimed at finding mutual agreement, while the second has moved away from the ideals of rationality and consensus. It is argued that the new generation of the corresponding concept makes it possible to justify the use of deliberative practices in the development of national identity in general and spiritual and moral values consolidating the nation in particular.