Political Legitimacy, Authoritarianism, and Climate Change

Is authoritarian power ever legitimate? The contemporary political theory literature—which largely conceptualizes legitimacy in terms of democracy or basic rights—would seem to suggest not. I argue, however, that there exists another, overlooked aspect concerning a government’s ability ensure safety and security. While, under normal conditions, maintaining rights is typically compatible with guaranteeing safety, emergency situations, conflicts between these two aspects can often do arise. A salient example this the COVID-19 pandemic, during which severe limitations on free movement association have become legitimate techniques government. Climate change poses an even graver threat public safety. Consequently, may require similarly approach. While unsettling, suggests importance climate action. For if we wish avoid legitimating power, must act prevent crises from arising only be resolved by such means.