https://theloop.ecpr.eu/herman-melvilles-ruthless-democracy/

"Ruthless", writes Jennifer Greiman, "is not a descriptor normally attached to democracy. Unlike familiar modifiers – constitutional, representative, direct – it does not simply describe a stable and recognisable form that the rule of a people might take. Instead, 'ruthless democracy' describes an egalitarian principle that is pursued without sentimental attachment to the permanence of any particular form. It is a commitment to the fundamental equality of human (and nonhuman) life that demands a receptivity to perpetual change."

As you can see for yourself in reading Greiman's essay, the concept comes from Herman Melville's many contributions to democratic thought. My favourites are the story of "round robins" (see image attached) - which is a democratic approach to mutiny and also Greiman's conception of "cetocracy", or a polity of whales.

What is it about ruthless democracy that draws your attention? What stands out for you?

https://theloop.ecpr.eu/herman-melvilles-ruthless-democracy/