A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book
Inclusion, Participation and Future Generations
Authors: Setälä Maija
Editors: Bornemann Basil, Knappe Henrike, Nanz Patrizia
Publishing place: Lontoo
Publication year: 2022
Book title : The Routledge Handbook of Democracy and Sustainability
First page : 69
Last page: 83
ISBN: 978-0-429-02408-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429024085(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429024085(external)
This chapter analyzes the reasons for why democratic decisions that are based on inclusive and participatory processes often seem to be harmful for future generations. The obvious problem is that future generations do not exist and therefore they are, by definition, excluded from the democratic process. Moreover, electoral competition in current representative systems may further aggravate the tendencies towards short-termism. The chapter analyzes different concepts of inclusion and the so-called all-affected principle and discusses the problems that arise when trying to make democratic processes more inclusive of future generations. The chapter argues democratic deliberation is essential for enhancing consideration of long-term policy effects without compromising democratic legitimacy. The chapter shows how inclusive deliberative forums can facilitate consideration of future interests and discusses their potential roles in the contexts of representative democracies and supranational government.