In his new book Wilde Demokratie, Tim Wihl explains how the law can enable rather than prevent dissent that promotes democracy. In doing so, he discovers in the protesting people a state power in its own right: the protestative.

Find the book here.

Thoughts to consider. German society is neither as polarized as it seems, nor should the concept of polarization pave the way for depoliticization by reducing genuine political conflicts to issues that would be resolved if only the standards of the liberal script were applied. Democracies evolve through conflicts, which also challenge taken-for-granted assumptions about what counts as legitimate intervention. How can we better incorporate political dissensus? In his new book, "Wild Democracy," (German: “Wilde Demokratie”) our fellow Tim Wihl explains how the law can enable rather than prevent dissent that promotes democracy.

Contrary to popular opinion, which dismisses wild forms of protest as anti-democratic, legal scholar Tim Wihl makes clear that these very actions contribute decisively to strengthening and legitimizing democracy.

From adbusting and mass demonstrations to occupations and blockades, Wihl examines various forms of protest and explains why climate and farmers protests, mass demonstrations against right-wing extremism, and scandalous protest art enjoy special constitutional protection. Wihl argues resolutely in favor of helping an alternative constitutional way of thinking to break through. After all, civil disobedience is not a criminal offense, but a democratic achievement.

At THE NEW INSTITUTE, Tim Wihl works in the Reclaiming Common Wealth program.