A Democratic Right to Political Strikes

Democratic politics in practice often lags far behind the democratic ideals that justify democracy in theory. Where democratic theory postulates the equality of citizens and the accountability of elected officials, democratic practice is often characterised by the absence of accountability and deep political inequality. This paper argues that, under these conditions, citizens have a moral right to engage in political strikes. Such a right can empower citizens to effectively hold officials accountable and prevent the worst excesses of elite capture. It is therefore justified as a means of self-defense to protect basic democratic rights. The article defends this claim against the objections that this is an overly contestatory approach to politics and that political strikes distribute the burdens of political contestation unfairly.