Beyond Deliberative Systems: Pluralizing the Debate

The systems debate in democratic theory has long been dominated by the deliberative perspec-tive. However, democratic theory consists of various strands. Recently, participatory, agonistic, pragmatist and transformative democrats have entered the systems debate. This contribution suggests a multiperspectival approach to democratic theory and applies various lenses to demo-cratic systems. Looking through the kaleidoscope of democratic theory animates the research subject. This brings to light a vivid democratic ecosystem, which is perceived differently by each participant and from each position within the system. Democracy appears as a vital assem-blage that reaches beyond formal political institutions into the everyday lives of its participants.