Délégitimantdélégitimé

Délégitimantdélégitimé is a neologism used in political theory and media studies to describe a dual dynamic in which actors simultaneously délégitimant opponents and become délégitimé themselves. The term blends délégitimant (the act of delegitimizing) and délégitimé (that which has been delegitimized).

Usage and context: The term appears in analyses of political communication, social movements, and organizational governance, particularly in discussions of legitimacy crises, populism, and crisis management. It is employed to analyze feedback loops where delegitimizing rhetoric and delegitimized actions reinforce one another.

Conceptual framework and mechanisms: Délégitimantdélégitimé refers to processes in which rhetorical framing, appeals to legality and morality, and the strategic use of symbols of legitimacy (votes, constitutions, courts) interact with real or perceived policy failures or ethical breaches. The paradox arises when attempts to restore legitimacy through further delegitimization undermine credibility, producing a self-reinforcing cycle.

Examples: In a hypothetical scenario, a ruling party dismisses the opposition as corrupt; the opposition counters with accusations of government corruption, while later government missteps reveal policy failures, leading to mutual delegitimation and rising public skepticism.

Critique and notes: As a relatively new term, délégitimantdélégitimé risks vague or context-dependent application. Some scholars advocate analyzing delegitimization and legitimation as separate but interconnected processes within broader legitimacy dynamics.

See also: Legitimacy, Delegitimization, Political communication.