In 1981, Jürgen Habermas developed the theory of communicative action, proposing that rational consensus can be achieved through uncoerced communication in the public sphere. This theory challenged traditional notions of power and authority, emphasizing the role of dialogue in democratic societies. Habermas's work has significantly influenced contemporary social theory, political philosophy, and discussions on democracy and civil society.

Influenced the civic, dialogic, and socially engaged ambitions of contemporary political poetry, emphasizing literature's role in democratic discourse. Poets like Claudia Rankine and Ocean Vuong have drawn on Habermas's theories to explore the intersections of language, power, and identity.