A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
Politics at Distance : Parliamentary Politics in the Face of New Challenges (2022)

Palonen, K. (2022). Politics at Distance : Parliamentary Politics in the Face of New Challenges. In N. Kauppi, & K. Palonen (Eds.), Rhetoric and Bricolage in European Politics and Beyond : The Political Mind in Action (pp. 179-201). Palgrave Macmillan. Rhetoric, Politics and Society. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98632-2_8

JYU authors or editors

Palonen, Kari

Publication details

All authors or editors: Palonen, Kari

Parent publication: Rhetoric and Bricolage in European Politics and Beyond : The Political Mind in Action

Parent publication editors: Kauppi, Niilo; Palonen, Kari

ISBN: 978-3-030-98631-5

eISBN: 978-3-030-98632-2

Journal or series: Rhetoric, Politics and Society

ISSN: 2947-5147

eISSN: 2947-5155

Publication year: 2022

Pages range: 179-201

Number of pages in the book: 206

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Place of Publication: Cham

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98632-2_8

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85960

Abstract

L’enfer, c’est les autres, declared Jean-Paul Sartre. In the context of the corona pandemic, Sartre’s statement has gained a new level of existential significance. The proximity with others, possible bearers of the virus, is now a vice to be avoided. More prosaically, Max Weber demanded from politicians Distanz zu den Dingen and Menschen. Combining Weber and Sartre requires a politics that cultivates distance and neutralises proximity. In this chapter, I compare the challenges two ideal types of political action, movement politics and signature politics, present to parliamentary politics as a paradigmatic example of politics at distance that still requires a certain proximity. While movement politics relies on proximity and identity, signature politics cultivates distance but excludes debate, the main merit of parliamentary politics. All three share the principle that the persons supporting a policy or decision will be counted and not weighted. Combining presence and distance in parliaments, I discuss the dangers proximity and action at distance face in digitalised debates. Beyond spatial distance, I analyse the parliamentary requirements of orality and visibility as well as the possibilities of simultaneity and presence of other debates. I also explore how parliamentary distance can be utilised as a medium to extend the politics of parliamentary presence.

Keywords: politics; political culture; political activity; conversation; presence; distance; closeness; remote meetings; rhetoric; influencing