Carl Schmitt and the contradictions of liberal democracy

Abstract. This article examines the contradictions Schmitt holds to exist between liberalism and democracy. The authors first examine Schmitt's descriptions of liberalism and democracy. They then proceed to his analysis of the political domain, which provides the basis of his criticism of liberal democracy. Following an evaluation of his argument, they propose a democratic conception of liberalism which both draws on Schmitt's account of the political while defending the viability of the union of liberalism and democracy.