The concept of totalitarianism and Hannah Arendt from the democratic perspective

In this study, a conceptual analysis of totalitarianism is carried out from the democratic point of view. Arendt gives priority to the public sphere instead of focusing on democracy. In the study, it is suggested to read Arendt?s theory of public sphere as what she calls genuine politics which she mentioned as the antithesis of totalitarianism. After the difference between modern and ancient anti-democratic governments (namely despotism, tyranny, dictatorship, and totalitarianism) is questioned, the types of anti-democratic governments are analysed with the help of a classification which includes both the authoritarian systems? and totalitarian systems? division and the category of dictatorship. On the other hand, whether there is a necessary connection between totalitarianism and modernism which is assumed to have an effect on the emergence of totalitarianism is questioned. After analysing ideology, party, leader, terror and technology as the elements of totalitarianism, the critiques of the concept of totalitarianism are mentioned. Hannah Arendt is one of the first that should come to mind when on the subject of totalitarianism. What distinguishes Arendt?s theory of totalitarianism is her phenomenological approach. To better appreciate Arendt?s understanding of totalitarianism, one should know the meanings of the fundamental concepts of her thought such as the human condition, vita activa, human plurality, and public sphere. According to Arendt, totalitarianism which emerged for the first time in modern ages is a new form of government and it includes the pre-modern experiences as well. For Arendt, masses are the greatest factors on the emergence of totalitarianism and the main characteristic of the mass society is that it lacks a common world/public sphere. In the study, together with Arendt who is in search of a new place for humans who are isolated, driven to be superfluous and left without a place by the experience of totalitarianism; the public sphere, democracy and totalitarianism in the context of power is revisited. Arendt?s critique of liberal democracy which gains a specific importance of deliberative democracy is read as a critique of liberal democracy and Habermas? deliberative democracy which was inspired by Arendt?s thoughts are discussed. The antagonism between Arendt?s thought and deliberative democracy is underlined by highlighting the agonistic and postmodern elements in Arendt?s thoughts. For Arendt, who is considering the concepts with their opposites, the antithesis of totalitarianism is genuine politics. It is possible to read genuine politics which was not explained by Arendt clearly as her theory of public sphereKey Words- Dictatorship- Totalitarianism- Hannah Arendt- Violence- Democracy