French political philosopher who co-founded Socialisme ou Barbarie with Castoriadis and developed an influential theory of democracy as the institutionalization of undetermined power — an empty place at the center.
Democracy is distinguished from totalitarianism by leaving the place of power empty — power is no longer embodied in a person or party but held in trust through elections. Totalitarianism fills this empty place by incorporating society and power into a single body.
Discussing
Ask anything about Claude Lefort — their ideas, influences, contradictions, legacy.
Sign in to start a conversation.