Discourse on individual rights and democracy: Philosophical foundation and contemporary challenges

Y. Monojit Singha *, Pratiksha Das, Sneha Deb Roy, Dennis Ronghang, Kritika Ngangom and Junei Peace N. Iawphniaw

Department of Political Science, Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam, India.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(03), 1769–1776
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.3.1873
 
Publication history: 
Received on 14 May 2024; revised on 24 June 2024; accepted on 26 June 2024
 
Abstract: 
The discourse on individual rights and democracy within contemporary states embodies a complex interplay of historical evolution, philosophical perspectives and contemporary challenges. This study navigates through the complex landscape of liberty, tracing its evolutionary trajectory from ancient to modern times and scrutinizing the philosophical frameworks that underpin the conceptualization of rights and democracy. Drawing upon insights from influential figures such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Constant, as well as philosophical traditions like contractualism, the study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of liberty and its manifestations within democratic governance structures. It examines the evolving role of the state as both protector and potential violator of individual rights, particularly in the context of totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Additionally, the study explores mechanisms for safeguarding individual rights amidst executive power and underscores the pivotal role of civil society in upholding democratic values. Through a synthesis of historical analysis, philosophical inquiry and contemporary observations, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between individual rights, democracy and the contemporary state.
 
Keywords: 
Civil Society; Democracy; Individual Rights; Liberty; Totalitarianism.
 
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