Human Dignity and Democracy in Europe: Synergies, Tensions and Crises

This collection identifies and discusses the connections between human dignity and democracy from theoretical, substantive, and comparative perspectives. Drawing on detailed analyses of national and transnational law, it provides timely insights into uses of human dignity to promote and challenge ideas of identity and solidarity.

Highlighting human dignity’s significance for inclusive democracy, the book’s thirteen chapters underline how threats to human dignity can also be a danger to democracy itself. Critical analysis of the commitment to protect the dignity of all human beings following the rise of nationalism, illiberalism and identity politics are thoroughly reviewed. The volume further addresses urgent questions about today’s democratic societies in the context of Europe’s multiple crises.

Written in an accessible style, this innovative book will be an excellent resource for both scholars of human dignity and human rights law, European law and politics, as well as non-experts looking to further their understanding of the topic.