Is the European Union a militant democracy? Democratic backsliding and EU disintegration

Abstract There has been much recent debate over whether the European Union is or should be a ‘militant democratic’ actor in order to respond democratic backsliding EU member states. This article argues that militant democracy specific and limited sense, but this may normatively undesirable from perspective. I first develop definition of focuses on paradox. argue strongest justifications for require two conditions are met: an ‘existential threat condition’ ‘necessity condition’. Next, analyse four ways which said empowered act fashion combat show how some, though not all, these warrant label democracy’. Moving descriptive normative analysis, then consider necessity condition can ever met since there always possibility non-militant responses through forms disintegration. If we accept argument, actors prioritize robust measures where possible while pro-democratic states disassociate frankly autocratic fail.