Democracy Books

Book SynopsisFrances Millard is Professor Emerita in the Department of Government, Member of the Human Rights Centre and former Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Essex. She is twice winner of the George Blazyca Prize of the British Association of Slavonic and East European Studies for the best book on Central and Eastern Europe.Trade ReviewIn this insightful and detailed account Frances Millard deftly charts and explains the twists and turns of Poland’s three decades of debates about transitional justice. The book deserves to be on the shelves of all scholars and students concerned with how states and societies deal with difficult pasts, but also those interested in the consequences that decisions to punish, prosecute or draw lines have on the health and fate of democracy. * Tim Haughton, University of Birmingham, UK *This is an extremely detailed and wide-ranging account of attempts to achieve transitional justice since the collapse of the Polish communist regime in 1989. It is a meticulously-researched piece of history writing, which explains the chequered progress of transitional justice with reference to developing political circumstances and without recourse to simplistic, one-sided explanations. Millard provides a thorough analysis of the legislation regarding each separate strand of transitional justice. * Anne White, UCL, UK *Table of Contents1. Introduction: Approaches to the Study of Transitional Justice 2. The Politics of Transitional Justice in Poland 3. The Prosecution of Past Crimes 4. Reparation through Rehabilitation and Compensation 5. The Restitution of Property 6. Lustration 1989-2005 7. Lustration after the fall of the SLD: The Return of the Right 8. Transitional Justice and the Role of the Constitutional Tribunal 9. The Role of the Institute of National Remembrance: The Politics of History and Memory 10. PiS: The End of Transitional Justice and the New Project of Social Transformation Index

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Book SynopsisLarge sections of democracy and its basic structures have recently been hijacked. By stealth, powerful elites have gradually gained control of the political sphere and transformed it to serve their own interests. The political systems of what appear to be established democracies in all corners of the world are showing signs of this takeover, which has led to widespread citizen disaffection and indignation. Kidnapped Democracy uses the metaphor of captivity to illustrate the differences and similarities between conventional kidnappings and the hijacking of a political system. The book’s nine chapters identify the kidnappers, the accomplices, the hostages, the victims and the negotiators before examining the effect of a peculiar Stockholm syndrome and, finally, reflecting on possible ways to secure the release of democracy.Trade ReviewA provocative reflection on the kidnapping of democracy that offers novel insights on debates that have been occupying critical thinkers for centuries, while providing a cogent critique of the state of democracy today. A valuable and original contribution to scholarship. -- Cristina Flesher Fominaya, Reader in Social Politics and Media, Loughborough University; Editor-in-Chief of Social Movement StudiesDemocracies are sadly capitulating, with disastrous consequences in terms of democratic accountability, quality of governance and equality. This insightful and beautifully written book must be read as an awakening call, a necessary and timely reminder that the fate of democracy lies with the unfettered determination of citizens to unmask the complex network of 'masters' that are stripping democracy of its representative identity. -- Kerman Calvo Borobia, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of Salamanca, SpainRamón Feenstra takes seriously the kidnap analogy as a conceptual tool with which to dissect the predicament of present-day democracies, engaging provocatively and meticulously with the identity, interests and strategies of both kidnappers and hostages, and the complex relationship between them, which culminates in a predictable and dramatic Stockholm syndrome. For how long will we be complacent, and will we justify the kidnap of our democracies and our lack of say in what happens to us? -- Sonia Alonso Saenz De Oger, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, QatarThis is a wonderful book. Kidnapping is a very strong metaphor to understand the democratic deficits of our time. Moreover, this is the right self-help book for victimized citizens to overcome their Stockholm syndrome and to develop democratizing practices. -- Paul Dekker, Professor of Civil Society, Tilburg University, The NetherlandsTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Raising the Alarm Chapter 2: The Hostages (I): Political Parties and Governments Chapter 3: The Hostages (II): The Mass Media Chapter 4: The Hostages (III): Trade Unions Chapter 5: Hostages or Accomplices? Chapter 6: The Kidnappers Chapter 7: Victims’ Response: From Stockholm Syndrome to Defiance Chapter 8: Negotiators Chapter 9: The Struggle for Liberation References About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisWe are living in a modern world where falsehood regularly seems to overwhelm truth. The ability of billions of people to publish has created a vast amount of unreliable and false news which now competes with and sometimes drowns more established forms of journalism. So where can we look for reliable, verifiable sources of news and information? What does all this mean for democracy? And what will the future hold?Reflecting on his twenty years as editor of the Guardian at a time of unprecedented digital disruption; and his experience of breaking some of the most significant news stories of our time, Alan Rusbridger answers these questions and offers a stirring defence of why quality journalism matters now more than ever.Trade Review[Rusbridger] has written a book of breathtaking range . . . The brilliant Breaking News is essential - and entertaining - reading -- SIR HAROLD EVANS * * Observer * *I particularly enjoyed Alan Rusbridger's Breaking News - in places it's as exciting as a thriller (and the good guys win) but it also gave me a new understanding of the difficulties that now confront good journalism -- HENRY MARSH * * New Statesman, Best Books of 2018 * *Just when we were feeling lost in the dark labyrinth of fake news and journalism in crisis, Alan Rusbridger lights his torch and leads the way. Essential -- STEVE COOGANWell written and unskimped, this will be a painful document when we wake up one morning with nothing to read at breakfast except our smartphones -- TOM STOPPARD * * Times Literary Supplement, Best Books of the Year * *The book [Rusbridger] has written is eloquent in its argument for well-resourced journalism, and never better than in its central narrative of how an old profession struggled to cope with a new technology that threatened it with obsolescence -- IAN JACK * * Guardian * *It was my good luck - and the world's - that Alan Rusbridger was the Guardian's editor when powerful governments tried to prevent the paper from revealing that they had deceived and disempowered their citizens. Alan is a fearless defender of the public interest who has had a singular career in journalism. His book is an urgent reminder that there is still a place for real journalism - indeed, our democracies depend on it -- EDWARD SNOWDENA fascinating book and an important one * * Scotsman * *Engaging . . . We love a good newspaper yarn, and Rusbridger provides a dandy * * Financial Times * *Alan Rusbridger is one of the most important journalists of his generation . . . this book needs to be read * * Independent * *The portrait of Rusbridger that emerges is that of the rarest of newsroom species - someone with genuine bona fides as a journalist and an unassailable commitment to the profession's enduring values, who also possesses the curiosity, nimbleness of mind and openness to change necessary to navigate the relentless, shape-shifting challenges that lie ahead for media companies today. The cascading crises afflicting journalism are now, rightly, understood to be threats to American democracy. It is hardly an overstatement, then, to say that the health of our society depends, in part, on future Rusbridgers emerging to take the reins of our news organisations * * New Yorker * *

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Book SynopsisIn the tumultuous aftermath of the Arab uprisings, Tunisia charted a unique path that has earned it praise as 'a beacon of hope' in a troubled region. Since the 2011 revolution, it has embraced a new culture of democracy, based on pluralism, civilian rule and the peaceful transfer of power. Equally noteworthy are the country's burgeoning civil society, its various institutional reforms and its progressive new constitution, which upholds individual freedoms and champions women's rights. But in spite of these achievements, daunting challenges remain. Although Tunisia has succeeded in defusing many crises, its transition has been uneasy; its democracy is fragile and its future continues to be uncertain. As the country emerges from decades of authoritarian rule, it faces enormous political, social, economic and security challenges, which are undermining its peaceful evolution. It is this state of fragility that 'A Fledgling Democracy' seeks to capture. Focusing on the socio-political dynamics that have unfolded in this North African nation since the revolution, the contributors to this volume shed light on how Tunisia has navigated its first decade of democratic transition, and reflect on what the ongoing changes and challenges mean for the country today.Trade Review'Understanding Tunisia’s political transformation since 2011 requires comprehensive analysis of the key enablers of and challenges to the country's democratisation. The international contributions to this volume offer just that, painting a vivid picture of hard and soft politics in Tunisia.' -- Lina Khatib, Director, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House‘An informative and critical assessment of the political system in Tunisia between 2011 and 2021.’ -- Lectures'Coming at the cusp of Tunisia's latest crisis in democratic transition, this book is an ideal introduction into the complexities of the post–Arab Spring era. It demonstrates to perfection the immense complexities of political change, in terms of domestic choice and of external coercion, even in a country that appeared to have achieved success in both.' -- George Joffé, University of Cambridge'In this valuable contribution to the literature, Mohamed Zayani and his contributors incisively identify both the weaknesses of Tunisia's state institutions and the resilience of its civil society--as well as the many issues of contention between them.' -- Charles Tripp, Professor Emeritus of Politics, SOAS University of London, and author of The Power and the People: Paths of Resistance in the Middle East'Published at a juncture point in Tunisia's history, this valuable volume perfectly captures the socio-political dynamics that kept its democracy unconsolidated, popular aspirations unfulfilled and reforms stalled. A detailed and nuanced account of the state of fragility that shaped Tunisia's path to democracy and will undoubtedly determine its future.' -- Hamza Meddeb, Non-resident Scholar, Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller. 'A compulsively readable, carefully researched account of how a malignant combination of rightwing ideology, secretive money (much of it from the US) and weaponisation of social media have shaped contemporary British (and to a limited extent, European) politics... Remarkable' Observer, Book of the Week Democracy is in crisis, and unaccountable and untraceable flows of money are helping to destroy it. This is the story of how money, vested interests and digital skulduggery are eroding trust in democracy. Antiquated electoral laws are broken with impunity, secretive lobbying is bending our politics out of shape and Silicon Valley tech giants collude in selling out democracy. Politicians lie gleefully, making wild claims that can be shared instantly with millions on social media. Peter Geoghegan is a diligent, brilliant guide through the shadowy world of dark money and digital disinformation stretching from Westminster to Washington, and far beyond. Praise for Democracy for Sale: 'Thorough, gripping and vitally important' Oliver Bullough 'A brilliant description of the dark underbelly of modern democracy. Everyone should read it' Anne Applebaum 'A compelling and very readable story of the ongoing corruption of our government and therefore ourselves' Anthony Barnett 'As urgent as it is illuminating' Fintan O'Toole 'This urgent, vital book is essential reading for anyone who wants to make sense of our politics' Carole Cadwalladr 'This forensic and highly readable book shows how so many of our democratic processes have moved into the murky, unregulated spaces of globalisation and digital innovation' Peter Pomerantsev 'A call to arms for all those who value democracy' The Herald 'Geoghegan's words are those of someone who is prepared to keep fighting to defend and revitalise what shadows of democracy still remain'ScotsmanTrade ReviewDemocracy for Sale forensically exposes the fault lines in our politics, and reveals how they have been exploited by the rich and the powerful to further their own interests -- Oliver Bullough, author of MoneylandForensic and highly readable -- Peter Pomerantsev, author of This is Not PropagandaAs urgent as it is illuminating' Fintan O -- Toole, author of Heroic FailureA compelling and very readable story of the ongoing corruption of our government and therefore ourselves -- Anthony Barnett, author of Iron BritanniaA brilliant description of the dark underbelly of modern democracy: dark money, influence games and the new tactics of the new far-right. Everyone should read it -- Anne Applebaum, author of GulagPeter Geoghegan's investigations into Brexit have been essential reading. Now this urgent, vital book is essential reading for anyone who wants to make sense of our politics -- Carole CadwalladrInvestigative journalist and Big Issue contributor Peter Geoghegan has followed the money to uncover the story of how undisclosed donations have infiltrated British politics, undermining public faith in democracy and fuelling the rise of populism across the West * Big Issue *Peter Geoghegan's absorbing and disturbing new book is a call to arms for all those who value democracy... [It is] meticulously researched and highly readable' -- HeraldA damning insight into the dark money which underpins huge areas of global politics... A dispiriting read, exposing a rot which seems to have spread throughout politics across the western world and whose stranglehold appears to be growing. This is was makes it so vital... Geoghegan's words are those of someone who is prepared to keep fighting to defend and revitalise what shadows of democracy still remain' * Scotsman *A fine book. It's a compulsively readable, carefully researched account of how a malignant combination of rightwing ideology, secretive money (much of it from the US) and weaponisation of social media have shaped contemporary British (and to a limited extent, European) politics... [A] remarkable book' * Observer. *Its lucid and compelling narrative explores the likes of disinformation, propaganda, and the way in which technology's rapid evolution renders legislative and regulatory frameworks redundant. At the heart of it all, of course, is money, and Geoghegan offers a perceptive analysis of how the US and British systems differ, and how they compare * Scotsman *We are only at the beginning of understanding how the 21st-century confluence of opaque money, extreme politics and digital technology has frayed our democracy. This book is an important part of that process. We are a long way from having viable solutions, but we owe a debt to relentless journalists like Geoghegan for starting the work of rooting out the source of stench before it overwhelms us * irish Times Weekend *A shocking story of how money, vested interests and digital skulduggery are eroding trust in democracy – and a powerful account of what must be done about it * Irish Times Weekend *[Democracy for Sale] should be the most discussed political book of the year. It is by turns balanced, authoritative, revelatory and scandalous. As the web and unsourced money twist elections, the subject could not be more urgent * Observer *A damning insight into the dark money which underpins huge areas of global politics... Enlightening and alarming... Geoghegan's words are those of someone who is prepared to keep fighting to defend and revitalise what shadows of democracy still remain' * Scotsman *A very timely treatise on what technology allied to dark money can achieve. Released last year in print, it is only just available on audio with author Peter Geoghegan doing a fine job of narrating * Irish Examiner *Excellent * National *Solidly investigative and highly readable * New Internationalist *I urge people to read it and reflect * National *This is what you've been waiting for if you want a clear, jargon-free, exhaustively detailed and wonderfully readable book that explains the bizarre nature of British 'democracy' and the farce that is 'The Mother of all Parliaments'. It's no exaggeration to say that Peter Geoghegan's remorseless analysis [...] is among the very finest guides to the Cayman Islands-on-the-Channel that the UK is becoming * Chartist *

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Book SynopsisIn what remains after more than a century the greatest study of American political life, Tocqueville describes American society and accounts for its nature and its conflicts in an historical analysis of the nation's origins among different parties of European settlers. Brilliantly written and vividly illustrated with vignettes and portraits, this is also more than an exploration of one society at one time. Tocqueville's assessment of America is as relevant as it ever was, and his explanation of how democratic societies work can illuminate our own nation now.

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Book SynopsisA riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making-from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracyIn the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency-a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation''s highest office.Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings readers inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room, and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global financial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout, and authorizes Operation Neptune''s Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden.A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective-the story of one man''s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of hope and change, and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters, and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible.This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama''s conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.Trade ReviewGorgeously written, humorous, compelling, life affirming -- Justin Webb * Mail on Sunday *Beautifully written and disarmingly candid . . . leavened with telling asides, poignant vignettes, painterly character sketches and an occasional corker of a joke -- Tony Allen-Mills * The Sunday Times *As a work of political literature A Promised Land is impressive. Obama is a gifted writer -- Gary Younge * Guardian *Barack Obama is as fine a writer as they come . . . the prose gorgeous in places, the detail granular and vivid -- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie * The New York Times *What is unexpected in A Promised Land is not its literary elegance but the former president's candour -- David Olusoga * Observer *I loved A Promised Land . . . President Obama is unusually honest about his experience in the White House, including how isolating it is to be the person who ultimately calls the shots. It's a fascinating look at what it's like to steer a country through challenging timesDeeply enjoyable . . . Obama is such a fluent and warm writer and so good at describing events and people * Daily Express *Beautifully written . . . it's probably the best volume of autobiography from a former president in modern times -- Sean O'Grady * Independent, ***** *Remarkably candid and beautifully written . . . It should bring inspiration for we Brits who want to build our own version of inclusive patriotism here at home -- David Lammy * i *Gives a very human insight into the White House * Stylist *To keep company with his elegant prose, complex conscience and unmistakable intelligence is a cool drink of water after four years of the other guy . . . -- Sam Leith * Spectator *Table of Contents 1: PREFACE 2: PART ONE | THE BET 3: PART TWO | YES WE CAN 4: PART THREE | RENEGADE 5: PART FOUR | THE GOOD FIGHT 6: PART FIVE | THE WORLD AS IT IS 7: PART SIX | IN THE BARREL 8: PART SEVEN | ON THE HIGH WIRE 9: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 10: PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS 11: INDEX

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Book SynopsisTwenty-five years after his prescient Democracy’s Discontent, Michael Sandel updates his classic work for our more fractious age. He shows how, since the 1990s, Democrats and Republicans embraced a market faith that led to the toxic politics of our time. To rescue democracy, he argues, we must reimagine the economy and revitalize the civic project.Trade ReviewAmericans have lost faith in the possibility of self-government, and they are frightened by the disintegration of community they see happening all around them. Twenty-six years since Democracy’s Discontent was first published, Sandel writes that this way of thinking has brought us to a political precipice—a moment when the combination of frayed social bonds and intense political polarization calls into question the very future of the American experiment. -- Win McCormack * New Republic *Few books are as relevant a quarter-century after their appearance as when published—but Michael Sandel has made his classic Democracy’s Discontent even more so. Rethinking how the political economy of the middle of the twentieth century has mutated to the detriment of American citizenship, substituting consumerism and globalization for community and self-rule, this is a touchstone study for our times. -- Samuel Moyn, author of Not Enough: Human Rights in an Unequal WorldMichael Sandel’s deeply insightful analysis of the erosion of the political economy of citizenship has never been more timely than at the present moment. Essential—and ultimately hopeful—reading for all those who wonder if our democratic experiment will survive in the twenty-first century. -- Greta R. Krippner, author of Capitalizing on Crisis: The Political Origins of the Rise of Finance

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Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of the Sudanese revolution of 2019; of how it succeeded in bringing down the long-standing rule of President Omar al-Bashir; and of the troubled transitional civilian-led government that was installed in his place. It sets the scrupulously non-violent uprising in its historical context, showing how the protesters drew upon the precedents of earlier civic revolutions and adapted their practices to the challenges of the al-Bashir regime. The book also explores how that regime was brought to its knees through its inability to manage the intersecting economic and political crises caused by the secession of South Sudan and the loss of oil revenue, alongside the uncontrolled expansion of a sprawling security apparatus. The civilian protesters called for-and expected-a total transformation of Sudanese politics, but they found themselves grappling with a still-dominant cabal of generals, who had powerful regional backers and a strong hold over the economy. Internally divided, and faced with a deepening economic crisis, the civilian government led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has found itself in office, but with less and less real power, unable to change the conduct of political business as usual.Trade Review'An outstanding analysis of politics in modern Sudan, providing readers with behind-the-scenes details of the 2019 revolution and the struggles that Sudan continues to face.' -- Mark Fathi Massoud, Professor of Politics and Legal Studies at UC Santa Cruz, and author of 'Law's Fragile State: Colonial, Authoritarian, and Humanitarian Legacies in Sudan''In its passion and incisive, in-the-moment analysis, this book recalls Marx's famous "The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte". An ideal case study for introducing students to how African states actually work, and to how misguided external attempts to influence or help can be.' -- Donald L. Donham, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Anthropology, UC Davis, and co-editor of 'States of Violence: Politics, Youth, and Memory in Contemporary Africa''Detailed, rich and historically embedded, "Sudan's Unfinished Democracy" offers a unique and thorough background to better understand this country's contemporary politics and power shifts. It was a privilege to read such a wonderful and timely book.' -- Griet Steel, Assistant Professor of International Development Studies, University of Utrecht'Taking the reader close to the ground and under the skin of Sudan's popular revolution, this essential and timely book puts the promise and peril of a remarkable African struggle for civic democracy into sharp historical perspective.' -- Sharath Srinivasan, David and Elaine Potter Associate Professor in Governance and Human Rights, University of Cambridge, and author of 'When Peace Kills Politics: International Intervention and Unending Wars in the Sudans'

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Book Synopsis*FEATURED IN BILL GATES''S 2019 SUMMER READING RECOMMENDATIONS* ''This is a beautifully written and important book. Read it'' Martin Wolf, Financial TimesFrom world-renowned economist Paul Collier, a candid diagnosis of the failures of capitalism and a pragmatic and realistic vision for how we can repair itDeep new rifts are tearing apart the fabric of Britain and other Western societies: thriving cities versus the provinces, the highly skilled elite versus the less educated, wealthy versus developing countries. As these divides deepen, we have lost the sense of ethical obligation to others that was crucial to the rise of post-war social democracy. So far these rifts have been answered only by the revivalist ideologies of populism and socialism, leading to the seismic upheavals of Trump, Brexit and the return of the far right in Germany. We have heard many critiques of capitalism but no one has laid out a realistic way to fix it, until now. In a passionate and polemical book, celebrated economist Paul Collier outlines brilliantly original and ethical ways of healing these rifts - economic, social and cultural - with the cool head of pragmatism, rather than the fervour of ideological revivalism. He reveals how he has personally lived across these three divides, moving from working-class Sheffield to hyper-competitive Oxford, and working between Britain and Africa, and acknowledges some of the failings of his profession. Drawing on his own solutions as well as ideas from some of the world''s most distinguished social scientists, he shows us how to save capitalism from itself - and free ourselves from the intellectual baggage of the 20th century.These times are in desperate need of Paul Collier''s insights. The Future of Capitalism restores common sense to our views of morality, as it also describes their critical role in what makes families, organizations, and nations work. It is the most revolutionary work of social science since Keynes. Let''s hope it will also be the most influential - George Akerlof, Nobel Laureate in Economics, 2001 In this bold work of intellectual trespass, Paul Collier, a distinguished economist, ventures onto the terrain of ethics to explain what''s gone wrong with capitalism, and how to fix it. To heal the divide between metropolitan elites and the left-behind, he argues, we need to rediscover an ethic of belonging, patriotism, and reciprocity. Offering inventive solutions to our current impasse, Collier shows how economics at its best is inseparable from moral and political philosophy'' - Michael Sandel, author of What Money Can''t Buy and JusticeFor thirty years, the centre left of politics has been searching for a narrative that makes sense of the market economy. This book provides it - John Kay, Fellow of St John''s College, Oxford and the author of Obliquity and Other People''s Money For well-to-do metropolitans, capitalism is the gift that goes on giving. For others, capitalism is not working. Paul Collier deploys passion, pragmatism and good economics in equal measure to chart an alternative to the divisions tearing apart so many western countries. -Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of EnglandTrade ReviewCollier is one of the UK's most distinguished economists. In this important book, he analyses what has gone wrong with contemporary capitalism, focusing on the growing divide between the educated and the less educated and between booming metropolis and the declining provinces. Rejecting the illusions of the ideologues and the populists, he puts forward pragmatic, provocative and perceptive ways to deliver widely shared prosperity, by restoring an ethical basis to our national politics, companies and families. -- Martin Wolf, The Best Books of 2018 * Financial Times *I'm a big fan of Paul Collier. When I saw that The Future of Capitalism was about the polarization we're seeing in the U.S., Europe, and other places, I was eager to see what he had to say. I'm glad I did. The Future of Capitalism is an ambitious and thought-provoking book. . . . I think he is right more often than not. Ultimately, I agree with him that 'capitalism needs to be managed, not defeated.' -- Bill Gates, Summer Reading Recommendations 2019These times are in desperate need of Paul Collier's insights. The Future of Capitalism restores common sense to our views of morality, as it also describes their critical role in what makes families, organizations, and nations work. It is the most revolutionary work of social science since Keynes. Let's hope it will also be the most influential -- George Akerlof, Nobel Laureate in Economics, 2001For me the most gripping [2018 book on capitalism] was Paul Collier's The Future of Capitalism: a deep exploration of the ethical institutions underlying our market society -- and an impassioned argument about how to restore them. -- Jesse Norman * The New Statesman *Collier has set for himself [the task] to re-establish the ethical character of social democracy. This is an important book for anyone concerned at the state of modern politics and our liberal democracies. -- Jon Cruddas MPThis book is not an easy read but it is an important one - the revenge of the clever provincial biting the metropolitan hand that has fed him so generously. -- David Goodhart * Evening Standard *In this bold work of intellectual trespass, Paul Collier, a distinguished economist, ventures onto the terrain of ethics to explain what's gone wrong with capitalism, and how to fix it. To heal the divide between metropolitan elites and the left-behind, he argues, we need to rediscover an ethic of belonging, patriotism, and reciprocity. Offering inventive solutions to our current impasse, Collier shows how economics at its best is inseparable from moral and political philosophy' -- Michael Sandel, author of What Money Can’t Buy and JusticeFor thirty years, the centre left of politics has been searching for a narrative that makes sense of the market economy. This book provides it -- John Kay, Fellow of St John's College, Oxford and the author of Obliquity and Other People's MoneyFor well-to-do metropolitans, capitalism is the gift that goes on giving. For others, capitalism is not working. Paul Collier deploys passion, pragmatism and good economics in equal measure to chart an alternative to the divisions tearing apart so many western countries. -- Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England

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Book SynopsisTechnology has fractured democracy, and now there’s no going back. All around the world, the fringes have stormed the palace of the elites and unleashed data miners, dark ads and bots on an unwitting public. After years of soundbites about connecting people, the social media giants are only just beginning to admit to the scale of the problem. We stand on the precipice of an era where switching your mobile platform will have more impact on your life than switching your government. Where freedom and privacy are seen as incompatible with social well-being and transparency. Where your attention is sold to the highest bidder. Our laws don’t cover what is happening and our politicians don’t understand it. But if we don’t fight to change the system now, we may not get another chance.Trade Review‘Excellent.’ * New Statesman *‘Democracy Hacked gets beyond the headlines – a compelling, informed and highly readable account of how democracy is being disrupted by the tech revolution, and what can be done to get us back on track. One of the best expositions I’ve read yet of what is the biggest political challenge of our generation.’ -- Jamie Bartlett, author of The People Vs Tech and The Dark Net‘Enormously wide-ranging and deeply researched, this is the definitive account of how digital technology has changed the entire political landscape, with profound consequences for democracy. From Brexit to Trump, and from Estonia to the Philippines, Martin Moore uncovers the real stories behind the fake ones. You’ll discover that the truth is often stranger than fiction and that the future is more open than you think.’ -- David Runciman, author of How Democracy Ends‘The world is belatedly waking up to some frightening realities about the intersection of digital technologies and the health of democracies. Martin Moore’s book is a sharp wake-up call – ambitious in its sweep and urgent in its important message.’ -- Alan Rusbridger, author of Breaking News‘Eye-opening… An important, timely, and clearly written look at a crucial subject.’ * Booklist *‘Moore demonstrates how data has affected elections across the world, in the Philippines, Turkey, India, Iran, Britain and beyond... Engrossing, instructive, and urgently necessary.’ * Kirkus *

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Book Synopsis"First paperback edition, with a new preface and conclusion"--Title page verso.Trade Review“John Dunn’s book is much more than a history of democratic ideas…. [It is] among the most original and thought-provoking books on politics to have been published in England for many years, written in a spare, incisive English style which at its best is worthy of Hobbes.”—Jonathan Sumption, Spectator“A marvellously rich book.”—David Marquand, New Statesman“Stimulating and deft…. An impressive and interesting book.”—Andrew Roberts, Daily Telegraph“John Dunn has given us a rare thing: an intellectually aristocratic book written for a profoundly democratic age.”—Sunil Khilnani, Financial Times“Dunn wears his erudition lightly and writes clearly and freshly about some of politics’ most venerable questions…. Blows a gust of fresh air through the cobwebbed byways of political thought.”—John Gray, Independent

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Book SynopsisTHE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERGeography comes before history. Islands cannot have the same history as continental plains. The United Kingdom is a European country, but not the same kind of European country as Germany, Poland or Hungary. For most of the 150 centuries during which Britain has been inhabited it has been on the edge, culturally and literally, of mainland Europe.In this succinct book, Tombs shows that the decision to leave the EU is historically explicable - though not made historically inevitable - by Britain''s very different historical experience, especially in the twentieth century, and because of our more extensive and deeper ties outside Europe. He challenges the orthodox view that Brexit was due solely to British or English exceptionalism: in choosing to leave the EU, the British, he argues, were in many ways voting as typical Europeans.Trade Reviewconfident ... surprising and original ... and humble ... Tombs's opening chapter, putting Britain's relationship with Europe into a wider historical context, offers more insights than entire shelves of rival Brexit books. "Geography comes before history," he begins. "Islands cannot have the same history as continental plains. The United Kingdom is a European country, but not the same kind of European country as Germany, Poland or Hungary." ... Like all good historians, Tombs can be entertainingly bitchy [yet] all the time, with elegant wit, he punctures myth after myth -- Dominic Sandbrook * Sunday Times *The time has finally come for the whole issue [of Brexit] to pass from the hands of journalists into those of historians. Robert Tombs, emeritus professor of French history at Cambridge, has started the process of objective historical analysis with a profoundly thoughtful explanation of how Brexit happened, and why ... Tombs has a witty turn of phrase and agreeably ironic style that means that he never descends into polemic ... If journalism is the first draft of history, then This Sovereign Isle is its penultimate draft, and the best we will have for many years. -- Andrew Roberts * Daily Telegraph *A short, punchy, eloquent statement from such a distinguished historian -- Fintan O'Toole * The Guardian *Cambridge professor Tombs offers a fine first draft of history in this objective explanation of how and why Brexit happened. Tombs takes a witty, engagingly ironic approach to the false claims of Project Fear. -- Summer reading * The Telegraph *A rare intellectual proponent of Brexit, Robert Tombs infuriates pro-Europeans-even more so because of his undeniable calibre as a historian ... This Sovereign Isle argued that the Leave vote was inevitable as well as rational: the UK never fitted the European project. He understands this as a reaction to the traumas of the continent's story - traumas that Britain's distinctive journey has sometimes ducked ... His theme - national identity in a fracturing world - has contemporary significance far beyond these shores. -- The world’s top 50 thinkers, 2021 * Prospect *admirably independent-minded and well argued ... should indeed be made compulsory reading for all Brexiteers -- Richard Evans * New Statesman *To Remainers interested in reading a civilised & learned defence of Brexit, I highly recommend it -- Tom Holland

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Book SynopsisFrom the 2023 Reith lecturer Politics is failing us. This is why. ''Brilliant . . . a must-read'' Daron Acemoglu, co-author of Why Nations FailWhen it comes to politics, there are five goals that voters generally agree upon. We all want a say in how we''re governed, to be treated equally, a safety net when times are hard, protection from harm and to be richer in the future. So, why does politics not deliver that?The problem is each of these five goals results in a political trap. For example, we all want a say in how we''re governed, but it''s impossible to have any true ''will of the people''. And we want to be richer tomorrow, but what makes us richer in the short run makes us poorer over the long haul.In Why Politics Fails, award-winning Oxford professor Ben Ansell draws on examples from Ancient Greece through Brexit to vividly illustrate how we can escape these traps, overcome self-interest and deliver onTrade ReviewA meticulous study of how different societies find it so difficult to achieve widely shared goals, like democracy, equality, a decent welfare state, security from crime and sustainable prosperity -- Nick Pearce * Financial Times *Salutary reading for the world we live in now -- James A. Robinson, co-author of Why Nations FailBrilliant ... a must-read -- Daron Acemoglu, co-author of Why Nations FailI think the book is beautifully written and engaging. Ben has the rare gift of writing like he talks, and even when he gets out of storytelling mode into "here's the facts" it's an engaging read. I also think book-readers are ready for a message that isn't telling us that we are marching steadily towards a better world. Nor does hopeless disaster - endless polarization, climate apocalypse - await humanity. The truth, as usual, is in the middle. Politics is hard. There are trade-offs. If we want to build a better society, let's put aside naive optimism and pessimism and get more sophisticated -- Chris Blattman, author of Why We FightA must-read ... In an era of great challenges to the world, the urgency of what Ansell shows us, practical ways to overcoming political obstacles to collective decision making, is all the more timely -- Victor Shih, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

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Book SynopsisTrade Review'Thomas Mitchell has written a clear, lively and instructive account of the world’s first democracy in ancient Athens. He has mastered the latest scholarship in the field and put it to good use in interpreting the ancient sources and demonstrating its character and importance in shaping democratic thought and institutions throughout the millennia. The acuteness and balance of his judgments do justice to the strengths and weaknesses of such a regime, even as his belief in democracy ancient and modern enlivens analysis. All is set forth in an engaging style that will bring pleasure as well as enlightenment to his grateful readers.' - Donald Kagan, author of The Peloponnesian War'The story of democracy in classical Athens continues to be a story that raises acute questions about the principles and practices of democracies today. Thomas Mitchell's book explores that story with a light touch deeply embedded in the testimony of ancient writers and the research of modern scholars, offering an introduction that reveals the importance of understanding what Athenians thought about what they were doing, as well as the importance of what they were doing. This is the ideal foundation on which to build a critical appreciation of what Athenian democracy involved.' - Robin Osborne, author of Greece in the Making 1200–479 BC 'Democracy’s Beginning combines careful research with a passionate conviction in the potential of true democracy, as a form of government and as a way of life. Thomas Mitchell presents the full story of the rule of the people in ancient Athens, from early beginnings, through the imperial era of Pericles, to the culmination of participatory citizenship in the age of Plato and Aristotle. He warns us of the dangers of over-enthusiastic democratic foreign policy and notes the failings of Greek treatment women, slaves, and foreigners. But all the while he focuses our attention on how government of, for and by the people once did — and might again — produce a fairer, freer and more equal society.' - Josiah Ober, author of The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece"Lucid, sophisticated and elegant, Mitchell's fresh contribution to the field makes Athenian political history come alive and really matter. While its specific focus is on ancient Athens, the book never loses sight of how the study of the Athenian democracy enriches our understanding of modern democracies, and it leaves one with a sense of how the study of historical antecedents might help guide how we organize our societies in our own, and future, time."—Ralph Rosen, University of Pennsylvania'Democratic deficit is on everyone's lips these days, but Thomas Mitchell's lively and comprehensive new study harks back to the days of democratic surplus, when democracy - both the word and the thing - was young. Reading Democracy's Begnnining should be an inspiriting as well as an invigorating experience.' - Paul Cartledge, author of Ancient Greece: A History in Eleven Cities

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the role of the cultural factor, and patterns of its interaction with social, economic and political developments, in fostering identity-based new populisms and various forms of political authoritarianism across the globe. Trade Review"This stimulating collection of essays probes the role of culture in the contests over multiple modernities and its discontents. In transcending the conventional binary of East and West, the book develops novel perspectives on some of the most salient issues in contemporary world politics." - Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell University, USA."This book uses the conceptual framework of multiple modernities to probe the various contestions about global and regional orders. It engages in a dialogue among European, Latin American, and Asian scholars on some of the most pressing questions of our times." - Thomas Risse, Free University of Berlin, Germany.Table of ContentsForeword. Introduction. Part I: Competing Modernities and Models of Modernization 1. Multiple modernities and anti-modernism today 2. Nation-building in the era of populism and the Muslim intelligentsia: The case of Indonesia 3. Can we explain multiple modernities? Suggested insights and their test in a South American context 4. Time, modernity, and the resurgence of right-wing populism Part II: The EU and China: Diverse Identities and Political Prospects 5. Modernization and modernity: Authoritarianism with Chinese characteristics 6. The Political Identity of Europeans and the challenges of the time after modernity Part III: Challenges for a Common Agenda of a New Multilateral Convergence 7. Multiple modernities in a multipolar and multiregional world: Some conditions for an interregional dialogue 8. The crisis of the Western liberal order and the rise of the new populism 9. Populism, globalization, and future world order 10. Conflicting liberties and modernities in comparative perspective. Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leverages social reconstruction efforts to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party by appealing to a wide Indian audience through technology and inclusivity. Mobilizing marginalized groups, they shape Hindu nationalism to secure BJP votes, reshaping Indian democracy through strategic appropriation and social work.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a powerful new argument for how and why the Greek city-states, including their distinctive society and culture, came to be - and why they had the highly unusual and influential form they took. After reviewing early city-state formation, and the economic underpinnings of city-state society, three key chapters examine the way the Greeks developed their unique society. The spear, scroll and pebble encapsulate the book''s core ideas. The Spear: city-state Greeks developed a citizen-militia military system that gave relatively equal importance to each citizen-warrior, thereby emboldening the citizen-warriors to demand political rights. The Pebble: the resultant growth of collective political systems of oligarchy and democracy led to thousands of citizens forming the sovereign element of the state; they made political decisions through communal debate and voting. The Scroll: in order for such systems to function, a shared information base had to be Trade ReviewThis book makes a convincing case for the primacy of education and literacy in the ancient Greek world across the whole of society. It revolutionizes our understanding of the impact this literacy had on the development of government structures and daily life. -- Gil Davis, Associate Professor in Archaeology, Australian Catholic University, AustraliaTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: The Origin and Early Development of the City-State Chapter 2: Economic Growth: A Necessary Condition for the City-State Chapter 3: The Spear: Warfare and the City-State Chapter 4: The Pebble: Collective Decision Making and the City-State Chapter 5. The Scroll: Literacy and the City-State Conclusion: The Literate Citizen Appendix 1: Aristotle’s Politeiai Appendix 2: Colonies and Metropoleis Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisExperts on learning for democracy come together to explore why and how the gap in civic competence should be bridged. They make the case for a more effective form of political education that can enable citizens to learn to exert their influence over their government in an informed and meaningful manner.Trade Review" In a time of uncertainty, Tam’s intervention is timely and essential reading for those who believe that education is crucial in sustaining and deepening democracy. Tam presents evidence from around the world and outlines the recommended approaches that politicians, policy advisors, and educators need to familiarize themselves with." Journal of Peace EducationTable of Contents1. Introduction: Citizens, We Have a Problem - Henry Tam Part I: Why Changes Are Needed 2. Political Education in an Unequal Society - Diane Reay 3. Classroom Conflict, ‘Divisive Concepts’ and Educating for Democracy - Barrett Smith and Sarah M. Stitzlein 4. The Contested Scope of Academic Freedom - Dina Kiwan 5. Rethinking Citizenship Education for Political Literacy - Tony Breslin Part II: What Could Be Done Differently 6. Populism, Classrooms and Shared Authority - Kathleen Sellers and Kathleen Knight Abowitz 7. Different Approaches to Teaching Civic and National Identity - Edda Sant 8. Active Learning of Marginalised Young People - Kalbir Shukra 9. Universities’ Role in Teaching Practical Politics - Titus Alexander Part III: How to Make a Lasting Impact 10. The Evidence on Educational Methods for Political Engagement - David Kerr and Bryony Hoskins 11. Citizenship Education: Building for the Future - Lee Jerome and Liz Moorse 12. Reversing Democratic Decline through Political Education - Murray Print 13. Towards Civic Learning for All - Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg 14. Conclusion: Lessons for Democratic Health - Henry Tam

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Book SynopsisScience and politics have collaborated throughout human history, and science is repeatedly invoked today in political debates, from pandemic management to climate change. But the relationship between the two is muddled and muddied. Leading policy analyst Geoff Mulgan here calls attention to the growing frictions caused by the expanding authority of science, which sometimes helps politics but often challenges it. He dissects the complex history of states’ use of science for conquest, glory and economic growth and shows the challenges of governing risk – from nuclear weapons to genetic modification, artificial intelligence to synthetic biology. He shows why the governance of science has become one of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century, ever more prominent in daily politics and policy. Whereas science is ordered around what we know and what is, politics engages what we feel and what matters. How can we reconcile the two, so that crucial decisions are both well informed and legitimate? The book proposes new ways to organize democracy and government, both within nations and at a global scale, to better shape science and technology so that we can reap more of the benefits and fewer of the harms.Trade Review“In this groundbreaking book, Geoff Mulgan masterfully dissects the complex dance between science, technology, and power, exposing perilous gaps in oversight. With practical idealism, Mulgan lights a path toward aligning humanity’s scientific powers with our common hopes through politicizing science and scientizing politics. Essential reading for all who care about steering technology for the greater good, When Science Meets Power brims with radical insights to fuse the strengths of science and democracy.”Azeem Azhar, author of The Exponential Age“With his acute practitioner’s lens, Geoff Mulgan has written a timely, provocative yet constructive exploration of the nexus between modern science and the institutions of power and democracy. He highlights the need for a new mindset and new institutions if science is to effectively impact on local and global challenges. An important read for all those interested in how the relationships between politicians, bureaucracies and science need to evolve.”Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council, and former President of the International Network of Government Science Advice“A great contribution to the science policy debate! Science Meets Power describes many of my daily experiences, offering stories and examples to back its rigorous and surprising analyses. Mulgan makes a plea for an intelligence about intelligence, proposing ‘knowledge commons’ in which the logic of the scientist, the logic of the politician and the logic of the bureaucrat can interact in constructive ways. A must read for anyone involved in policy-making for science or in science for policy-making. And a good read too…”Caroline Nevejan, Chief Science Officer, City of Amsterdam“I have always said that technology alone can’t solve our political problems. Geoff Mulgan shows us how we got to a point where science and politics seem increasingly at odds – and how we can come to a healthier understanding of the role of science to inform policy.”Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chair of GoogleTable of ContentsIntroduction: The science–politics paradox PART I. How Science Meets PowerChapter 1: Uneasy interdependenceChapter 2: What is science and how does it connect to power? PART II. How States Have Used ScienceChapter 3: The ages of techne and epistemeChapter 4: Science bites backChapter 5: The scientist’s view of politics as corruptor PART III. The Problem of Truths and LogicsChapter 6: Master, servant and multiple truthsChapter 7: Clashing logics PART IV. The Problem of Institutions: Solving the Science–Politics ParadoxChapter 8: Split sovereignty, or the role of knowledge in corroding the supremacy of politicsChapter 9: Democracy meets scienceChapter 10: The flawed reasoning of democracy and its remedies PART V. The Problem of Scales: Borderless Science in a World of BordersChapter 11: The clash between global and national interestChapter 12: Governing global science and technology PART VI. The Problems of Meaning: Synthesis, Wisdom and JudgementChapter 13: Science, synthesis and metacognitionChapter 14: The dialectics of what is and what matters

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Book SynopsisWe are seeing the rise of a populist moment around the world on both the left and the right. Movements like Bernie Sander, Jeremy Corbyn, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have emerged in the midst of the neoliberal crisis. In this book, leading political thinker Chantal Mouffe proposes a left-populist strategy that could bring together the manifold struggles against subordination, oppression and discrimination. In redrawing political frontiers, this "populist moment" points to a "return of the political" after years of postpolitics. This return may open the way for authoritarian solutions-through regimes that weaken liberal-democratic institutions-but it could also lead to a reaffirmation and extension of democratic values.Trade ReviewInfluencing left parties as they enter government, from Greece to Portugal to Mexico. It is a beach-sized introduction to a major left thinker of the twenty-first century. -- Paul Mason * Guardian *Refreshingly bereft of the sputtering outrage and bafflement that characterizes the growing genre of liberal self-help books, Mouffe channels populism's agonistic clarity. * n+1 *An admirable attempt to get us thinking again about what a worthwhile politics might look like, one based on notions of equality, ecology, sovereignty, solidarity and social justice. * New Statesman *Argues in favor of leftist populism as a means to combat both elitist, neoliberal technocracy and reactionary, xenophobic versions of populism. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe recent military coup in Myanmar perpetrated by the Tatmadaw has set the country back to the days of political uncertainty and military authoritarianism. This book examines how far the country has come since its nascent attempt at democratic reforms and democratisation in 2010.Each chapter considers some of the more prominent issues that have plagued Myanmar since political reforms started. First, there have been debates about the extent to which democratic reforms have been achieved since the Constitution was formalised in 2008. Second, what has been the significance of the three elections in 2010, 2015 and 2020? Third, how has the National League for Democracy transformed in the past decade? How far has the Union Solidarity and Development Party changed the political landscape? What roles did the Tatmadaw play in the last decade? Fourth, questions surrounding how the ethnic crisis, not least the Rohingya issue, have continued to dominate the country's political landscape in the last decade, thereby overshadowing its democratisation process.Finally, how far have these efforts at democracy demonstrated Myanmar's futile attempts at appeasing the domestic and international audience? Myanmar's relations with the global and regional community vis-à-vis the US, China, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have also taken a toll in the last decade. There is already a shift in power politics, especially with China determining the direction of Myanmar.Myanmar has been locked in a perpetual cycle transitioning between military authoritarianism and democratisation. These prevailing issues have led to a fragmented democracy and a lost opportunity to demonstrate its foray into a genuine democracy.

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Book SynopsisThe foundations upon which our democracies stand are inherently flawed, vulnerable to corrosion from within. What is the remedy? A. C. Grayling makes the case for a clear, consistent, principled and written constitution, and sets out the reforms necessary – among them addressing the imbalance of power between government and Parliament, imposing fixed terms for MPs, introducing proportional representation and lowering the voting age to 16 (the age at which you can marry, gamble, join the army and must pay taxes if you work) – to ensure the intentions of such a constitution could not be subverted or ignored. As democracies around the world show signs of decay, the issue of what makes a good state, one that is democratic in the fullest sense of the word, could not be more important. To take just one example: by the simplest of measures, neither Britain nor the United States can claim to be truly democratic. The most basic tenet of democracy is that no voice be louder than any other. Yet in our ‘first past the post’ electoral systems a voter supporting a losing candidate is unrepresented, his or her voice unequal to one supporting a winning candidate, who frequently does not gain a majority of the votes cast. This is just one of a number of problems, all of them showing that democratic reform is a necessity in our contemporary world.Trade Review‘A brilliant exploration of democracy as it is and as it should be.’ * Kirkus *‘...a fierce challenge to the Westminster system.’ * Justin Kempf, Democracy Paradox *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 1991 Elaine and David Spitz Book Prize for the best book on liberal and/or democratic theory, this book discusses what democracy is and why it is important. It examines basic assumptions of democratic theory and tests them against the questions raised by critics.Trade Review"Like democratic theory itself, Dahl's book is hugely inspiring. . . . this is a hugely impressive book, which traces the assumptions of democratic theory from 5th-century Athens to the present day and beyond. it is remarkable for its sustained attempt to connect theory and practice."—Susan Mendus, The Times Higher Education Supplement"One of the foremost contemporary theorists of pluralist democracy."—Jack Lively, Times Literary Supplement"[This book] could not have come at a more opportune moment. . . . Democracy and Its Critics is a work of extraordinary intelligence and, what is even rarer, a work of extraordinary wisdom. Mr. Dahl writes clearly and effectively. . . . The discussion is fresh and illuminating, the treatment of alternative views careful and respectful, the difficulties in his own views spelled out in detail. An attentive reader of this book will receive a real education in the meaning of democracy. . . . Beneath all the moderation and devotion to intellectual clarity that are so evident in this book, there is the moving presence of a profound passion for democracy."—Robert N. Bellah, New York Times Book Review"America's leading expert on democratic theory delivers his magnum opus."—Philadelphia Inquirer"Like democratic theory itself, Dahl's book is hugely inspiring. . . . This is a hugely impressive book, which traces the assumptions of democratic theory from 5th-century Athens to the present day and beyond. it is remarkable for its sustained attempt to connect theory and practice."—Susan Mendus, The Times Higher Education Supplement"Dahl defends democracy against various criticisms, including anarchism and its tenet that even democracy is coercive. . . . A necessary purchase."—David Steiniche, Library Journal"A necessary purchase for graduate libraries and recommended for undergraduate and public libraries."—Library Journal"Robert Dahl is one of the great communicators. . . . Democracy and its Critics sums up a career of 30 years as the leading American writer on the theory and the practice of democratic government."—Alan Ryan, New Statesman and SocietyWinner of the 1991 Elaine and David Spitz Book Award given by the International Conference for the Study of Political Thought for the best book published on liberal and/or democratic theory Winner of the 1990 Woodrow Wilson Foundation Book Award given by the American Political Science Association for the best book published in the United States during the previous year on government, politics, or international affairs "Robert Dahl is both a subtle analyst and a staunch defender of democratic values. What impresses me most is that he sees democracy not just as something fixed or given, but as a process that needs to be extended into every area of society, the economic as well as the political. His new book continues his splendid work."—Irving Howe"This elegantly written book presents a synthesis of over thirty years of work by America's leading post-war democratic theorist. Dahl's clear, incisive style will appeal to the general reader as well as to specialists in political theory and comparative politics."—Alan Ware, University of WarwickTable of ContentsPart 1 The sources of modern democracy: the first transformation - to the democratic city-state; toward the second transformation - republicanism, representation, and the logic of equality. Part 2 Adversarial critics: anarchism; guardianship; a critique of guardianship. Part 3 A theory of the democratic process: justifications - the idea of equal intrinsic worth; personal autonomy; a theory of the democratic process; the problem of inclusion. Part 4 Problems in the democratic process: majority rule and the democratic process; majority rule - practise; process and substance; process versus process; when is a people entitled to the democratic process? Part 5 The limits and possibilities of democracy: the second democratic transformation - from the city-state to the nation-state; democracy, polyarchy, and participation; how polyarchy developed in some countries and not others; is minority domination inevitable?; pluralism, polyarchy and the common good; common good as process and substance. Part 6 Toward a third transformation: democracy in tomorrow's world; sketches for an advanced democratic country.

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Book SynopsisAlix Olson and Alex Zamalin offer a clear-eyed critical account of how neoliberalism has redefined resistance to thwart social movements and consolidate power.Trade ReviewResistance is a word that has lost its critical edge, as this book demonstrates. Olson and Zamalin name 'restorative resistance' the idea that a return to a pre-Trump era is sufficient. Their critique challenges our coalitions, but this is a challenge that must be taken up to make the change the world needs. Essential reading. -- Linda Martín Alcoff, City University of New YorkHow did suburban lawn signs, social media photo frames, and voter mobilization campaigns for moderate Democrats become 'resistance'? Soberly diagnosing the rise of 'restorative resistance' as the outcome of a decades-long deliberate neoliberal narrowing of the political life of democracy, Olson and Zamalin echo Michel Foucault's fundamental insight that what is called 'resistance' illuminates how power is exercised. Rightfully alarming readers about a hegemonic horizon of reform that prizes channeling people's capacities to endure economic and social injustices they should resoundingly reject, the authors offer compelling guides to reigniting radical imagination and praxis by joining deeply democratic struggles through which we work to reawaken demands for liberation, actual popular sovereignty, and the state itself as ours—in solidarity with each other and the planet—to reimagine. -- Jane Anna Gordon, author of Statelessness and Contemporary EnslavementThe Ends of Resistance sheds an illuminating light on the shocking ways elite media and politicians have appropriated Black political resistance and the #MeToo movement for corporate and individualistic ends. Olson and Zamalin challenge the ways 'anti-racist' tactics have been appropriated to reinforce racial capitalism in a powerful indictment of the nation’s lackluster political will, even among so-called radicals. -- Terrence L. Johnson, author of We Testify with Our Lives: How Religion Transformed Radical Thought from Black Power to Black Lives MatterTable of ContentsAcknowledgments1. The End of Resistance: Reformation Over Transformation2. Neoliberal Resistance: Privatizing Rebellion3. Democracy Domesticated: Resistance as Restoration4. Making Suspicious Citizens: Racializing and Criminalizing Resistance5. Unruly World Building: Toward a Critical Infrastructure of Demanding HopeNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewOne of Zocalo's 10 Favorite Books of 2016 "Brennan has a bright, pugilistic style, and he takes a sportsman's pleasure in upsetting pieties and demolishing weak logic. Voting rights may happen to signify human dignity to us, he writes, but corpse-eating once signified respect for the dead among the Fore tribe of Papua New Guinea. To him, our faith in the ennobling power of political debate is no more well grounded than the supposition that college fraternities build character."--Caleb Crain,New Yorker "A brash, well-argued diatribe against the democratic system. There is much to mull over in this brazen stab at the American electoral process... [I]n the current toxic partisan climate, Brennan's polemic is as worth weighing as any other."--Kirkus Reviews "A brash, well-argued diatribe against the democratic system. There is much to mull over in this brazen stab at the American electoral process... Sure to cause howls of disagreement, but in the current toxic partisan climate, Brennan's polemic is as worth weighing as any other."--Kirkus "Important."--Ilya Somin, Washington Post Volokh Conspiracy "Against Democracychallenges a basic precept that most people take for granted: the morality of democracy... Brennan presents a variety of strategies by which the quality of the electorate could be improved, while still keeping it large, and demographically representative... [A] powerful challenge to the conventional wisdom about democracy... [W]orth serious consideration."--Ilya Somin, Washington Post "Compelling... This is theory that skips, rather than plods."--Los Angeles Times "The book makes compelling reading for what is typically a dry area of discourse. This is theory that skips, rather than plods."--Molly Sauter, Los Angeles Times "Among the best works in political philosophy in recent memory."--Zachary Woodman, Students for Liberty "Challenging and insightful."--Alexander William Salter, Public Choice "Lucidly written in provocative, sometimes brash tones, it is especially useful for the undergraduate classroom."--Choice "Against Democracy seems scarily prescient today. Writing well before the twin shocks of the Brexit and the U.S. elections, the Georgetown political scientist makes a powerful case that popular democracy can be dangerous--and, provocatively, that irrational and incompetent voters should be excluded from democratic decision-making. The case for elitism in governance never read so well."--Zocalo Public Square "Meticulous [and] crisply written."--Tom Clark, Prospect "Mercilessly well-argued."--Niko Kolodny, Boston Review

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Book SynopsisWesterners tend to divide the political world into good democracies and bad authoritarian regimes. But the Chinese political model does not fit neatly in either category. Over the past three decades, China has evolved a political system that can best be described as political meritocracy. The China Model seeks to understand the ideals and the reality of this unique political system. How do the ideals of political meritocracy set the standard for evaluating political progress (and regress) in China? How can China avoid the disadvantages of political meritocracy? And how can political meritocracy best be combined with democracy? Daniel Bell answers these questions and more. Opening with a critique of one person, one vote as a way of choosing top leaders, Bell argues that Chinese-style political meritocracy can help to remedy the key flaws of electoral democracy. He discusses the advantages and pitfalls of political meritocracy, distinguishes between different ways of combining meritocracy and democracy, and argues that China has evolved a model of democratic meritocracy that is morally desirable and politically stable. Bell summarizes and evaluates the China model--meritocracy at the top, experimentation in the middle, and democracy at the bottom--and its implications for the rest of the world. A timely and original book that will stir up interest and debate, The China Model looks at a political system that not only has had a long history in China, but could prove to be the most important political development of the twenty-first century.Trade ReviewA Financial Times Summer Books Selection Selected as one of Financial Times (FXXT.com) Best Books of 2015 A Guardian Best Holiday Reads of 2015 selection "[I]t is part of the job of academics to ask fundamental questions that challenge conventional thinking. Bell performs this role admirably in lucid, jargon-free prose that leads the reader back to some of the most fundamental questions in political philosophy - refracted through the experience of contemporary China ... I found the questions that Bell raised consistently stimulating."--Gideon Rachman, Financial Times "Bell ... has written a fascinating study. Open-minded readers will find it equips them with a more intelligent understanding of Chinese politics and, no less valuable, forces them to examine their devotion to democracy... [The China Model] isn't just for those who want to better understand China. More than anything I've read for a while, it also forced me to think about what's good and bad about Western systems of government. From start to finish the book is a pleasure and an education."--Clive Crook, Bloomberg View "Bell makes a solid and worthy case for why the outside world might want to think about the Chinese experiment in governance a bit more deeply... This is a very clearly written book."--Kerry Brown, Asian Review of Books "The China Model ... is as important for us as it is for China. If the book brings us some humility about the ways in which an undemocratic model like China's can be deeply rooted in history and culture, it will have done good work. But it will do something better if it can remind us that our own history isn't over."--Rob Goodman, POLITICO "In careful, clear and measured prose, [Bell] works hard to overcome prejudice, defuse emotions and discuss the pros and cons in the cool language of political philosophy. This, perhaps, is the book's greatest contribution."--James Miller, Literary Review of Canada "Serious re-evaluations of democracy are inhibited by two factors: fears about the alternatives turning sour and a century of educational indoctrination that makes imagining the alternatives a frightful exercise. Bell's book should be read as an antidote (or if you prefer, an elixir) to overcome these doubts."--Siddharth Singh, Mint "This book is a welcome addition to the expanding literature on the emerging 'China model'... Bell's argument, based on his long-term observation of China's political development, provides a nuanced, thought-provoking view of the meritocratic aspects of the Chinese system that have been obscured by the broad label 'authoritarianism.' It offers an original explanation for the resilience of the Chinese regime and essentially challenges the widely held notion that liberal democracy is the universally desirable political outcome for modern societies."--Choice "Bell is not an apologist for China but someone who teaches us to ask different questions. And these questions are fascinating."--Mariana Mazzucato, Financial Times, a FT Best Book of 2015 "A must-read scholarly account of China's political development with stimulating questions, powerful analysis as well as theoretically relevant arguments."--Bingdao Zheng, Chinese Political Science Review "This book is a must-read text for all political scientists, in particular, for those who study democracy and democratization. It can open their eyes and help them to move out of their comfort zone to examine the tough and pressing issues in the real world in which democracy and meritocracy must be combined to improve democratic government and solve many practical issues."--He Baogang, Perspectives in Politics "A deeply stimulating contribution to normative political theory."--Thomas Pangle, Perspectives in Politics "In conclusion, Bell's book is interesting and intriguing. It argues convincingly that every political system is a trade-off, and asks important questions about the US (electoral) democracy and Chinese (communist) meritocracy. Bell also develops his own model, combining elements from both."--Dao "A must-read scholarly account of China's political development with stimulating questions, powerful analysis as well as theoretically relevant arguments. The discussion of political elite-recruiting system impressively spans thousands of years, from ages of empires to nowadays, and a number of countries and regions including United States, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan among others. One has to admire the comparative perspective the author puts in various historical periods and social contexts."--Bingdao Zheng, Chinese Political Science Review "A very well-written book that presents original scholarship."--Zhiming Cheng, Political Studies Review "Reading Bell is rewarding... This book is more than a bold challenge to democracy: it serves as a sincere invitation to a sober and less ideologically loaded dialogue between East and West."--Tao Wang, Asian Journal of Comparative PoliticsTable of ContentsPreface to the Paperback Edition ix Acknowledgments xxi Introduction 1 Chapter 1 Is Democracy the Least Bad Political System? 14 Chapter 2 On the Selection of Good Leaders in a Political Meritocracy 63 Chapter 3 What's Wrong with Political Meritocracy 110 Chapter 4 Three Models of Democratic Meritocracy 151 Concluding Thoughts: Realizing the China Model 179 Notes 199 Selected Bibliography 283 Index 307

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Book Synopsis'Presentist democracy is without a people and without nation. Rather than regimes of borders and migration, its borders are sexism and racism, homo- and transphobia, colonialism and extractivism.'In the midst of the crises and threats to liberal democracy, Isabell Lorey develops a democracy in the present tense; one which breaks open political certainties and linear concepts of progress and growth. Her queer feminist political theory formulates a fundamental critique of masculinist concepts of the people, representation, institutions, and the multitude. In doing so, she unfolds an original concept of a presentist democracy based on care and interrelatedness, on the irreducibility of responsibilities-one which cannot be conceived of without social movements' past struggles and current practices.Trade ReviewThis book is an assembly - a collection of voices from Germany and Spain, Italy, England, France and every country - a colourful and strong intersection of proposals in search for a (transnational and non-identitarian) democracy of the multitude and of difference, of truth and the joy of life. -- Antonio Negri, co-author of EmpireWeaving and unweaving the political philosophy of Rousseau, Derrida, Benjamin, Foucault and Negri, Isabell Lorey assembles a constellation of debates around keywords: democracy, time, sovereignty, commune. She does so in order to systematize the discontinuous struggles that inhabit these words, the possible futures that their meanings open up, and to place them at the disposal of a queer-feminist theory that locates the strike as one of its inspirational practices. Thus an "infinitive present" opens up as a time of becoming, defined by the encounter of bodies, which expands the present through processes of indeterminate differentiation. By highlighting the non-democratic foundations of democracy one by one, the definition of a "Presentist Democracy" emerges. This is woven out of care and debt: collective care and the debts of assuming relations of interdependence. This book is a tool for continuing to nourish the desire to change everything -- Verónica GagoWith great clarity and precision, Isabell Lorey offers a series of readings of major political thinkers to delineate the mobile constellation of democratic potentials in our time. Revisiting basic concepts such as the people, the law, and sovereignty, Lorey derives an account of democracy in the present. Less a utopian manifesto than an experimentation with the means and time of politics, this work shows us in persuasive terms how enduring and persistent experimentation constitutes our present struggle. -- Judith ButlerIn careful and imaginative consideration of the brutal tensions of a liberal democratic ideal poised between imminent collapse and infinite adaptability, Isabell Lorey conceives an alternative in the present tense, broadening and deepening the now with fierce urgency. Democracy in the Political Present is feminist political theory of and for our time. -- Fred MotenInsightfully weaving together the best of European political philosophy (from Rousseau to Negri, from Benjamin to Foucault), queer-feminist thinking about care and debt, and the practices of radical democracy that occupy the streets and the squares in recurring waves, Isabell Lorey convokes a democracy in present tense that is up to the challenges of these turbulent times. Not to be missed. -- Marta Malo, member of Precarias a la derivaEngaging ... [Lorey] offers an elaborate sketch of a form of political organisation that has hitherto been neglected as well as a scathing critique of the representationalist paradigm that needs to be taken into account whenever inclusion is spoken of too frivolously. -- Julius Schwarzwälder * LSE Review of Books *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Democracy in present tense Ch 1 Rousseau: Assembly instead of representation Ch 2 Derrida: Democracy-to-come Ch 3 Benjamin: Leaps of Now-Time Ch 4 Foucault: infinite presence Ch 5 Negri: Democracy and constituting power Ch 6 Presentist Democracy: Practices of care and queer debts

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"With a mixture of sober social science analysis and engaging personal travelogue, Lieberman defends the country’s record, particularly its ability to sustain for several decades a dynamic democracy with free and fair elections, a vibrant press, and an independent judiciary. He also ably documents South Africa’s achievements in improving education, housing, and public health, showing that, over the last 25 years, the country has mostly matched or surpassed the accomplishments of comparable upper-middle-income countries. . . . He writes lucidly about the economic and political shortcomings on which other accounts focus, but he makes an eloquent case for the remarkable progress South Africa has made in the wake of apartheid’s brutal legacy."---Nicolas van de Walle, Foreign Affairs"Lieberman’s analysis evaluates South Africa as a country, not as a miracle. Rather than being the bearer of the promise of democracy, the world can evaluate South Africa, Lieberman says, on its record of government performance, which has much to laud. . . . Important."---Carolyn Holmes, Washington Post

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Book SynopsisThis book demonstrates that populism's threat to democracy is less severe than often feared. The comprehensive, systematic analysis of contemporary Latin America and Europe over the last four decades and of the US under Trump shows that populist chief executives destroy democracy only under special, restrictive conditions.Trade Review'When do populists destroy democracy? In this nuanced and incisive analysis, Kurt Weyland argues that populist governments erode democracy only under specific conditions. This is a welcome and innovative intervention to an important debate.' Anna Grzymala-Busse, Michelle and Kevin Douglas Professor of International Studies, Stanford University'In this magisterial study, Weyland analyzes when and how democracies withstand the threat of populist authoritarianism. Weyland's comprehensive analysis is a must-read for all those interested in the prospects for democracy around the world - including for students of American politics who will see recent US experiences set in global perspective.' Frances Lee, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, Princeton University'Many scholars assume that populism is a threat to democracy, but rarely do they specify how severe that threat is, or the conditions under which it is more or less likely to prove fatal to democracy. Kurt Weyland tackles that challenge in this ambitious and path-breaking book. Weyland compares populist leaders in thirty countries across Europe and Latin America to develop a theory of democratic resilience in the face of populist challenges. He demonstrates that most democratic regimes are capable of withstanding populist threats, and these threats are only likely to bring about democracy's demise under a restrictive set of conditions. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about democracy's fate in the modern world and it offers critical insights for those seeking to identify the nature and sources of democratic resiliency.' Kenneth M. Roberts, Richard J. Schwartz Professor of Government, Cornell UniversityTable of Contents1. The Populist Threat to Democracy; 2. How Institutional Constraints and Conjunctural Opportunities Condition Populism's Threat to Democracy; 3. Neoliberal and Rightwing Populism in Latin America; 4. 'Bolivarian' and Leftwing Populism in Latin America; 5. Rightwing and Traditionalist Populism in Europe; 6. Rightwing Populism in the US: Donald Trump in Comparative Perspective; 7. Conclusion: Theoretical and Comparative Implications.

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Book SynopsisIn 2017, the Government’s attempt to trigger Article 50 and so leave the European Union resulted in a judgement by the Supreme Court, which stated that the Government was unentitled to do so without the consent of Parliament, directly citing the Bill of Rights in its judgement. Ironically, the Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689 to address abuses by the Crown, was successfully invoked in the twenty-first century to curb a perceived abuse by Government, acting in the name of the Crown. Passed shortly after the Glorious Revolution, the Bill sets out the balance of power between Parliament and the Crown, prohibiting the sovereign from levying taxes, recruiting troops or suspending laws without Parliamentary consent. Establishing Parliament as the ultimate source of power in the land and enshrining basic civil rights first set out in Magna Carta but subsequently abridged, the Bill document can justly claim to serve as the origin of Britain’s democracy. Published here with an introduction by Jonathan Sumption providing the historical context of the document and its influence over the centuries – particularly on the United States Bill of Rights – this edition shows how a number of the original clauses find renewed relevance in contemporary events.

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Book SynopsisFrom World War II until the 1980s, the United States reigned supreme as both the economic and the military leader of the world. The major shifts in global politics that came about with the dismantling of the Eastern Bloc have left the United States unchallenged as the pre-eminent military power, but American economic might has declined drastically in the face of competition, first from Germany and Japan and more recently from the newly prosperous countries elsewhere.In this book, Noam Chomsky points to the potentially catastrophic consequences of this imbalance. He reveals a world in which the United States exploits its advantage ruthlessly to enforce its national interests - and in the process destroys weaker nations.Deterring Democracy offers a devastating analysis of American Imperialism, drawing alarming connections between its repression of information inside the US and its aggressive empire-building abroad.Trade ReviewOffers a revelatory portrait of the US empire of the 1980s and '90s, an ugly side of America largely kept hidden from the public by a complacent media * Publishers Weekly *Shows how large the gap is between the realities of today's world and the picture of it that is presented to the American public * Observer *Arguably the most important intellectual alive * New York Times *It's the truth. Noam really has the goods on those guys in America -- Robert Crumb * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisGlenn Simpson (Author) Glenn Simpson is the founder of Fusion GPS. He is a former senior reporter for The Wall Street Journal who has specialized in campaign finance, money laundering, tax evasion, terrorism finance, securities fraud, and political corruption. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his family.Peter Fritsch (Author) Peter Fritsch co-founded Fusion GPS. He is a former reporter and bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal based in Mexico City, São Paulo, South and Southeast Asia, and Brussels. He finished his Wall Street Journal career as national security editor in Washington, D.C. He lives in Maryland with his family.Trade ReviewCrime in Progress is the best procedural yet written about the discovery of Trump's Russia ties. * The New York Times *Crime in Progress is a masterclass in how Washington works. -- Peter Nicholas * The Atlantic *I've read all the books on this subject - this is the one you want to read ... I feel fairly steeped in this matter and I learned something on every page. -- Rachel Maddow, Host of the Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBCCrimes In Progress is the most convincing case you are likely to read that the US president is an asset of the Russian government [and] sheds important light on the least likely president in American history. -- Edward Luce * The Financial Times *You don't need to read John le Carré or Tom Clancy to find espionage thrills in Washington these days, turn over any stone in the Beltway's secret world and you'll observe the seething mass of conspiracy and subterfuge beneath ... Take Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch, hard-bitten old newspaper hacks, muck-raking types, who have become central characters in a quite terrifying international spy thriller. -- Josh Glancy * The Sunday Times *An entertaining and readable account, with eye-popping anecdotes, of alleged collusion and the failure of the US media to expose it. * The Guardian *Crime in Progress untangles one of the great mysteries of the Trump era - the full story of the Steele dossier - and provides a fascinating insight into the investigatory mind at work. It's an indispensable guide to the Russia scandals - and a reminder of the redemptive power of facts over lies. -- Jeffrey Toobin

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Book SynopsisIn this landmark study, a thorough audit of British compliance with international human rights standards is carried out. The book identifies 42 violations and 22 near-violationsor causes for concern.Trade Review'Vital reading for all people who want authoritative evaluation of the state of civil liberties and political rights in Britain today. The analysis is lucid, balanced and scholarly.'- Helena Kennedy QCTable of ContentsList of figures, tables and boxes, Foreword, Acknowledgements, List of abbreviations and acronyms, How to use this book, Part I Introduction, Part 2 The UK Framework for Protecting Rights, Part 3 Political Rights and Freedoms—The Audit, Part 4 The Balance Sheet, Table of cases, Bibliography and sources, Index

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Book Synopsis* presents an original and polemical argument about the direction politics is taking in the 21st century, which is highly relevant to current debates centring around Tony Blair and New Labour.Trade Review"A brilliant short text, among the most penetrating analyses of the modern condition I have read." The Guardian "A powerful plea for a politics of the left in the twenty-first century. He is no advocate of the Third Way. For him the stark alternative is liberal democracy or egalitarian democracy, and he clearly opts for the latter. Those who disagree with his analysis or his conclusions will have to make their case, and will no doubt do so. Crouch’s book is sure to give rise to lively debate.’ Ralf Dahrendorf "Colin Crouch has the great gift of bringing theory down to accessible earth. Social capital theory is applied to the policies needed for civil renewal. This thoughtful book is a culmination of all that we have been expecting-and more-from his Fabian pamphlets and Political Quarterly articles on the dilemmas of democracy in troubled times." Professor Bernard CrickTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Why Post-Democracy?. 2. The Global Firm: The Key Institution of the Post-Democratic World. 3. Social Class in Post-Democracy. 4. The Political Party under Post-Democracy. 5. Post-Democracy and the Commercialization of Citizenship. 6. Conclusions: Where Do We Go From Here?. References. Index.

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Book Synopsis** #4 New York Times bestseller **In Democracy Awakening, American historian Heather Cox Richardson examines how, over the decades, an elite minority have made war on American ideals. By weaponising language and promoting false history, they are leading Americans into authoritarianism and creating a disaffected population.Many books tell us what has happened over the last five years. In Democracy Awakening, Richardson wrangles America''s meandering and confusing news feed into a coherent story to explain how America got to this perilous point, what we should pay attention to, and what the future of democracy holds.Trade ReviewA vibrant, and essential history of America's unending, enraging and utterly compelling struggle since its founding to live up to its own best ideals... It's both a cause for hope, and a call to arms. * Jane Mayer, author of Dark Money *An excellent primer for anyone who needs the important facts of the last 150 years of American history -- Charles Kaiser * Guardian *The most lucid just-so story for Trump's rise I've ever heard. It's magisterial -- Virginia Heffernan * Washington Post *With her characteristic powerful prose, Heather Richardson explores the raging (in every sense of the word) political, cultural, and social forces that an elite minority has fostered to divide Americans, erode democracy, and rise to power. By reclaiming this history, she reminds us that democracy is a process, not an endpoint -- and that it demands our efforts now, more than ever. * Joanne Freeman, Professor of History at Yale University and author of Field of Blood *No one understands the warp and woof of the complicated tapestry that is the United States, no one apprehends the undertow and disparate forces that have directed the tides of American politics, no one forges the connections between then and now better than Heather Cox Richardson does. The result is a cogent, challenging, thoughtful, riveting and beautiful narrative. Brava! * Ken Burns, Filmmaker *For the last several turbulent years, millions have looked to Heather Cox Richardson's daily letters for vital historical perspective, wisdom, and moral clarity. In Democracy Awakening, Richardson goes beyond the news cycle to explain how we got here, placing our current political crisis against the age-old struggle to expand civil rights and economic opportunity. What emerges is a brilliant and honest account of our nation's past and present. If you care about American democracy-and are engaged in the fight to preserve it-this book is a must-read. * Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York *An important addition to the burgeoning literature and scholarship on what I have characterized as America’s Third Reconstruction . . . she is at her best simply telling us the story of how we came to be living on the brink of ending our nearly 250-year democratic experiment -- Peniel Joseph * Democracy *A fresh historical interpretation of American democracy and its many challenges . . . It’s an unusual but effective structure, allowing Richardson to do what she does best: show her readers how history and the present are in constant conversation. Reminding us that 'how it comes out rests . . . in our own hands,' Richardson empowers us for the chapters yet to come * Kirkus *starred review* *Engaging and highly accessible * Boston Globe *

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Book SynopsisOne of a well-established series of sourcebooks catering to the needs of ancient history students at schools and universities. Each volume focuses on a particular period or topic and provides a generous and judicious selection of primary texts in new English translations, with annotation and supporting materials.Table of ContentsPart I. How Athens Became a Democracy: 1. What did Solon do? (1–28); 2. The Kleisthenic Revolution (29–37); 3. Fifth-century constitutional changes (38–48); 4. The creation of fourth-century democracy (49–55); Part II. Athenian Democratic Institutions: 6. Citizenship (56–73); 7. Demes (74–95); 8. Other subdivisions of the demos (96–122); 9. The Council of 500 (123–73); 10. The Assembly (174–213); 11. Law courts (214–71); 12. Magistrates and officials (272–5); 13. The Army and Navy (276–343); 14. Democracy and religion: regulating cult activities and piety (344–77); Part III. Democracy in Action: 15. Politics in action (378–420); 16. Theorising democracy (421–34); 17. Overthrowing democracy (435–46).

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the fundamental shift that has occurred in America and Britain as elites accumulate unprecedented capital and influence and a meritocracy has emerged to manage national affairs, a change that means opportunity, affluence, and power have migrated away from most of the population. Arguing the following four points: Geography accounts for the accumulating influence of metropolitan regions, at the expense of smaller cities and rural communities of the heartland. Occupational groups, particularly lawyers, physicians, and financiers, have constructed professional cartels to secure rents at the expense of the prosperity of the public. Think tanks and universities have become the necessary pathways to attain leadership in public affairs. The internationalization of commerce has contributed to a parallel network of economic institutions and think tanks sharing ideas and personnel to lobby for poTable of ContentsChapter 1: Retro-Revolution, Chapter 2: Meritocracy Ascendant, Chapter 3L The Populist Revolt, Chapter 4: The Repression of the Mediocracy, Chapter 5: The Deep State, Chapter 6: Hoax, Chapter 7: Knowledge, Stratified, Chapter 8: The Future of Democracy

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Josep M. Colomer argues, against much conventional wisdom, that political polarization is embedded in the constitutional design.The book puts forth that sustained conflict and institutional gridlock are not mainly questions of character, personalities, or determined by socioeconomic or cultural inequalities. They are, above all, the result of the formula of separation of powers between the Presidency and Congress, which, together with a system of only two parties, fosters adversarial politics and polarization. Colomer contends that in the past, bipartisan cooperation and domestic peace flourished only under a foreign existential threat, such as during the Cold War. Once such a threat vanished, unsettled issues and new social concerns have broadened the public agenda and triggered again animosity and conflict.Constitutional Polarization offers innovative and relevant insights in political science to a broad readership without technical or academic jTrade Review"Many who worry about the state of American democracy adopt a narrow focus and consequently propose specific reform proposals such as ranked-choice voting or campaign finance restrictions. This book by an eminent scholar of comparative politics situates American democracy in a broader historical, comparative, and—especially--international context. Along the way, it makes a welcome shift in the focus of attention from what is going on inside the heads of voters to what is occurring in the larger social, economic, and international worlds in which they live."Morris P. Fiorina, Stanford University and Hoover Institution"In this brilliant book, Josep Colomer documents how the visionary framers of the US Constitution devised the doctrine of separation of powers to curb monarchical rule and the follies of immoderate majorities. Although presidentialism generally succeeded in a world long dominated by imperial powers, he shows how in recent decades the increased gridlock of divided government continues to undermine genuine democratic governance."Arturo Valenzuela, Georgetown University and co-author (with Juan J. Linz) of The Failure of Presidential DemocracyTable of ContentsIntroduction: It’s the Institutions, stupid! Part 1: A Tamed Democracy 1. Democracy Was Only for Small Countries 2. From Empire to Federation 3. Montesquieu Did Not Speak English Part 2: An Elected King with the Name of President 4. The Archaic Presidential Election 5. Biased Filters and Checks 6. The Presidentialist Temptation Part 3: Two Parties with Narrow Agendas 7. The Framers Did Not Like Factions 8. The Unforeseen Emergence of Only Two Parties 9. Shifting Majorities and Accordion Agendas Part 4: Either Internal Anger or External Fear 10. Anarchy and Civil War 11. Cold-War Fear and Cooperation 12. The Ongoing Turmoil Epilogue: A Future in Hope Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThis Element explains how ballot designs affect the behavior of voters, the performance of candidates, and the strategies of parties, how ballot form alters the salience of personal vote earning attributes and discusses the profound implications ballot forms have for party campaigns and election outcomes.Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Electronic voting in salta: from adoption to implementation; 3. Disconnecting races: the behavioral implications of independent choices; 4. The rise of the personal vote: the implications for candidates; 5. The decline of territorial machines: the implications for parties; 6. The consequences of weakened gubernatorial coattails: the implications for small parties; 7. Conclusions. References.

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Book SynopsisIn a radical reflection, John Young contends that the US model of democracy has failed the Global South because its emphasis on the supremacy of market capitalism entails a loss of national sovereignty and a truncated notion of human rights that leaves little room for citizens' engagement or socioeconomic justice.The Global South needs democracy, but the US model does not address issues of national oppression or economic injustices by raising living standards and ensuring national sovereignty. However, the US international liberal order is increasing being challenged, and a multipolar world is emerging that provides opportunities for people in the Global South to construct systems of democracy that meet their needs rather than those of the US.Trade ReviewA brilliant exposure of the flawed theory and practice of democracy promotion as a tool of US foreign policy. Poorly practiced at home, US ‘democracy’, embedded in global capitalism produces failed states in the global south, where stronger national sovereignty is necessary to achieve authentic democracy rooted in local cultures. * Stephen McBride Professor, McMaster University, Canada *This is a captivating analysis of how the system of governance has evolved in Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan and the common features among them. A must read for those interested in the politics and economics of the Global South, especially the Horn of Africa. * Lam Akol *It is the most fascinating, detailed and timely book that demonstrates the global decline of Western democracy and how it lost its soul when it abandoned its core values: citizen’s engagement, accountability, and socio-economic justice and became ‘the best democracy money can buy.’ The book further demonstrates how while declining at home, western powers still export its ideals to countries in the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan. Three of these countries face national self-determination claims albeit to varying degrees with Ethiopia hosting countless national liberation front’s demanding a more robust consociational arrangements. The book shows how western model of democracy is misplaced and even if the ideals were to be pursed with vigor, it is trumped by concerns with security and other regional interests as it deed in Sudan in 2019, South Sudan and Ethiopia following the protests in 2018 where popular demands for democracy got aborted. The author’s most outstanding critic however is that western democracy that grew in a different context cannot prosper in a different soil in the Horn of Africa where demands for national self-determination and socio-economic justice take center stage, more so when it is ailing at home. The book is a must read for those interested in the political developments in the Horn, be it academics, students or regional and international actors * Assefa Fiseha, Professor, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. Rise and Decline of US Democracy 2. Horn of Africa Relations in the Wake of US Decline 3. Ethiopia and the Challenge of Democracy 4. Sudan, the United States, and the Propagation of Democracy 5. South Sudan: Another Failed US Democracy Project Conclusion Final Words

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Book SynopsisAn epic, moving graphic novel set in ancient Athens about the birth and the rise of democracy from the illustrator behind the bestselling Logicomix''Impressive ... Simultaneously a standout historical examination and a compelling story'' Booklist''It's fun, it's heartbreaking, it's thought-provoking, and it's tragic and it's absolutely one of the greatest graphic novels I expect to read all year'' i09It is 490BC and Athens is at war. Leander, trying to rouse his comrades for the morrow's battle against a far mightier enemy, begins to recount the story of his own life. Having witnessed the evils of the old tyrannical regimes and the rise of a new political system, Leander tells a tale of danger, bravery and big ideas, of the death of gods and the tortuous birth of democracy.Through a series of breathtaking scenes, we see that democracy was forged from chance and historical contingency but also through the cunning and courTrade ReviewImpressive ... Simultaneously a standout historical examination and a compelling story * Booklist *It’s fun, it’s heartbreaking, it’s thought-provoking, and it’s tragic – and it’s absolutely one of the greatest graphic novels I expect to read all year * i09 *A colorful love letter to Greek history * Kirkus *Probably the best and certainly the most extraordinary graphic novel I have ever come across * Bryan Appleyard, Sunday Times on LOGICOMIX *Logicomix is highly original, a rich and enthralling encounter with myth, maths, theatre and the giants of twentieth-century philosophy * Posy Simmonds on LOGICOMIX *An extraordinary piece of work... Its great subject is the historical desire to make the world totally understandable by reason, and it itches us inside the debate * John Walsh, Independent on LOGICOMIX *

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Book SynopsisAnalyses how midterm elections have shaped the American presidency

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Book SynopsisPeople are increasingly unhappy with their governments in democracies around the world. In countries as diverse as India, Ecuador, and Uganda, governments are responding to frustrations by mandating greater citizen participation at the local and state level. Officials embrace participatory reforms, believing that citizen councils and committees lead to improved accountability and more informed communities. Yet there's been little research on the efficacy of these efforts to improve democracy, despite an explosion in their popularity since the mid-1980s. Democracy from Above? tests the hypothesis that top-down reforms strengthen democracies and evaluates the conditions that affect their success. Stephanie L. McNulty addresses the global context of participatory reforms in developing nations. She observes and interprets what happens after greater citizen involvement is mandated in seventeen countries, with close case studies of Guatemala, Bolivia, and Peru. The first cross-national comparison on this issue, Democracy from Above? explores whether the reforms effectively redress the persistent problems of discrimination, elite capture, clientelism, and corruption in the countries that adopt them. As officials and reformers around the world and at every level of government look to strengthen citizen involvement and confidence in the political process, McNulty provides a clear understanding of the possibilities and limitations of nationally mandated participatory reforms.Trade Review"Fed up with government, people around the world are electing outsiders who pledge to tear government down. Stephanie McNulty explores how national governments are attempting the difficult task of fixing democracy by promoting local democratic participation. Anyone who is frustrated with our democracy and eager to make it better should heed the book's lessons." -- Josh Lerner, Co-Executive Director * Participatory Budgeting Project *"Democracy from Above should be obligatory reading for scholars and practitioners of participatory democracy. Stephanie McNulty offers a welcome corrective to both naive enthusiasm and uncritical disenchantment with citizen engagement. Leveraging the very best of comparative designs alongside a wealth of empirical evidence, this book is a powerful exemplar of the new political science." -- Gianpaolo Baiocchi * New York University *

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Book SynopsisShould Brexit or Trump cause us to doubt our faith in democracy? Are ‘the people’ too ignorant or stupid to rule? Numerous commentators are seriously arguing that the answer to these questions might be ‘yes’. In this take-no-prisoners book, Canadian-Irish author Roslyn Fuller kicks these anti-democrats where it hurts the most – the facts. Fuller shows how many academics, journalists and politicians have embraced the idea that there can be ‘too much democracy’, and deftly unravels their attempts to end majority rule, whether through limiting the franchise, pursuing Chinese ‘meritocracy’ or confining participation to random legislation panels. She shows that Trump, Brexit or whatever other political event you may have disapproved of recently aren’t doing half the damage to democracy that elite self-righteousness and corruption are. In fact, argues Fuller, there are real reasons to be optimistic. Ancient methods can be combined with modern technology to revitalize democracy and allow the people to truly rule. In Defence of Democracy is a witty and energetic contribution to the debate on the future of democracy.Trade Review‘In an era when, remarkably, the merits of democracy seem to be up for debate, it is invaluable to have so many of the arguments of the anti-democrats dispelled so comprehensively. If you've ever felt like you needed the arguments to defend the ability of the people to govern themselves, you’ll find what you need here.’Robin McAlpine, Director of Common Weal ‘In Defence of Democracy offers us a preview of what democracy is about to become: much more representative, more direct, more digital, more local and transnational. A winning concept described by this winning writer. Get it! Read it!’Bruno Kaufmann, Democracy International "a valuable guide"Los Angeles Review of Books Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why This? Why Me? Why Now? Part One: The Terrible Truth: People Aren’t All That Stupid or Evil Objection One: Democracy Can’t Work Because People are Too Racist and Sexist Objection Two: People are Too Stupid for Democracy Objection Three: There’s No Point to Democracy Because People Don’t Know What Is Good For Them Anyway Objection Four: People are Just Too Crazy for Democracy to Work To Conclude Part Two: Fixing Politics the Anti-Democrat Way Section I Assorted Libertarian, Authoritarian and Explicitly Elitist Solutions Rule by the ‘Knowledgeable’ (Jason Brennan) Rule by the Deep State (Bryan Caplan) Rule by the Market (Ilya Somin) Long Live the Party! (Jonathan Rauch and Benjamin Wittes) Rule of the Superior (Daniel Bell) Section II Sortition: The False Democrats Participation Representation and Legitimacy Politics is Conflict Mediation Corruption Conclusions On Sortition Conclusions to Part Two Part Three: A World You Might Want to Actually Live In (Fuller Democracy) Five Principles for Transformational (but Responsible…) People Power 1. Shift to Online and En Masse 2. Pay-for-Participation 3. Focused, Outcome-Oriented Deliberation (Information, Isegoria and Conflict Resolution) 4. Precarious, Informal Leadership (but Leadership all the Same) 5. Sortition in its Proper Place Why It’s Worth It 1. People want Democracy 2. Fuller Democracy Solves a lot of Anti-Democrat Objections to Democracy 3. Writing a New Social Contract Final Words: Buckle-up Buttercup – The Future is Going to be Interesting

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