2025/10/13 by Liisi Veski · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #French Historical and Cultural Studies #European history and politics #Political and Economic history of UK and US
paper · doi:10.1080/01629778.2025.2573489
openalex publication_date 2025/10/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/13 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This article analyzes corporatism in 1930s Estonia, particularly under Konstantin Päts’ authoritarian regime (1934–1940). It examines how democracy was conceptualized within corporatist models. While some scholars argue that corporatist ideologues rejected democracy altogether, this study reveals a more complex picture, where supporters of corporatism endeavored to redefine democracy by emphasizing self-government. The article highlights the role social liberalism played in shaping corporatist ideas and legitimizing the regime as a third-way alternative. Despite democratic rhetoric, however, Päts’ regime remained essentially authoritarian, which calls into question the system of chambers’ capacity to meaningfully expand opportunities for political participation or interest representation.