Fundamentalism, Pluralism and Democracy

Abstract

The article discusses the variety and multiplicity of the threatening socio-political phenomenon known as fundamentalism. Going beyond superficial or biased perspectives, it indicates the basic characteristics, different varieties and possible causes of the emergence and maintenance of that phenomenon. It also shows, like in a mirror game, what the author calls “democratic” fundamentalism. By using the fundamentalist threat (basically Islamic) in its own interest, this proposal tries to consolidate in each country and at the global level an economic, political and military domination under the hegemony of the United States. In this way it annuls profoundly democratic contents in these countries. The alternative to this terrible fundamentalist reality consists of a reactivation, at the planetary level, of democratic values and socio-political pluralism, in such a way that the social, economic and political rights of all citizens may be guaranteed.

Key words: fundamentalism, pluralism democracy.