BETWEEN TASTES AND STRUGGLES: WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE CHANGE FOR THE YOUTH OF ESPIRITO SANTO

Abstract

This text explores the conceptualization and requirements of a democratic system, as suggested by Robert Dahl in his work On Democracy (2001). It begins with a brief historical overview of democracy, from its origins in the Mediterranean, emphasizing direct democracy in Athens and the contributions of the Roman Republic, through its decline during the Middle Ages and its resurgence during the French Revolution and in the United States. The text then addresses the criteria established by Dahl (2001) for a democratic system: active participation, voting equality, enlightened understanding, control of the agenda, and inclusion of adults. Additionally, it examines the advantages of democracy, including the prevention of tyranny, the safeguarding of fundamental rights, political self-determination, human development, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and political innovation. Finally, the text analyzes the perceptions of university students from Espírito Santo regarding democracy and evaluates how the theories of Dahl (2001), Runciman (2018), Goyard (2003), Mounk (2019), Castells (2018), and Levitsky & Ziblatt (2018) manifest in the contemporary Brazilian context. It also discusses the potential challenges and crises faced by democracy in the country. Although Brazilian democracy is theoretically and ideally robust, it faces profound challenges such as corruption, inequality, and polarization, which generate distrust in institutions and distance between citizens and the political system. Research with university students reveals a critical view of the disconnection between popular will and democratic practices, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen institutions, promote civic education, and combat misinformation to ensure a more inclusive, solid democracy capable of responding to society's needs.