Praxis, language and theory of political delegitimization in contemporary Europe

The novel feature of this research is that it shifts the issue of legitimization/delegitimization from a vertical power set-up to a horizontal frame of relationship and recognition among political leaders competing to govern a State. In that 'horizontal' perspective delegitimization indicates an attempt to transform a legitimate adversary into an enemy. Such a perspective, significantly, calls for a historical approach and becomes of central importance.