Fugitive Democracy and Civic Agency: Wolin and Glaude

The text analyzes the theory of Sheldon Wolin, who defines democracy not as a permanent regime or a set of institutions, but as a "fugitive" moment (fugitive democracy) in which citizens become active political subjects. The author introduces a key distinction between the sphere of "politics" (the competition of forces for resources) and "the political" (collective action for the common good). The article indicates that formal procedures and constitutionalism do not guarantee real civic agency. True democracy requires specific social competencies: the ability to build trust, organize information, and transform private problems into public issues. Wolin warns against the trap of institutionalization, which often stifles living democratic energy in favor of professionalization and hierarchy.