Final Year Project

Project Title

The Bridges We Come To: The Relationship Between Social Capital, Fascism And Liberal Democracy

Description

Drawing on Putnam (2000), Paxton (1998), and Hansen (1999), I demonstrate how social capital and civic associations can emerge from discontent with state failings, potentially strengthening illiberal, antidemocratic movements. I argue that a balance between state power and pluralism better counters fascism than social capital alone. Analyzing bridging social capital through intergroup contact theory reveals its inadequacy against strong group identities in resisting fascist politics. Using a Foucauldian framework focused on biopower and popular sovereignty, I contend that liberal democracy's success ironically renders it vulnerable to fascist expressions of popular will under the modern nation-state. The study highlights how ostensibly democratic social ties can facilitate anti-democratic outcomes when state legitimacy erodes.