Publication Date: 07/09/2017 ISBN: 9781786072894 Category:

Democracy and Its Crisis

A. C. Grayling

Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Publication Date: 07/09/2017 ISBN: 9781786072894 Category:
Hardback

£14.99

Out of stock

Mr B's review

With the election of Donald Trump and Britain’s decision to leave the European Union confounding notions of stability, this is a timely, yet considered look at how representative democracy will have to adapt if it is to survive. Grayling takes us right back to Ancient Greece – the foundation of modern democracy – as well as examining seismic events through time where societies have challenged their governing body. He points to the lessons we must learn from history and suggests ways in which our political system could improve.

Description

The EU referendum in the UK and Trump’s victory in the USA sent shockwaves through our democratic systems. In Democracy and Its Crisis A. C. Grayling investigates why the institutions of representative democracy seem unable to hold up against forces they were designed to manage, and why it matters.

First he considers those moments in history when the challenges we face today were first encountered and what solutions were found. Then he lays bare the specific threats facing democracy today.

The paperback edition includes new material on the reforms that are needed to make our system truly democratic.

Publisher Review

`We are mystified, alarmed, even frightened by the cascade of events that beset our world. A. C. Grayling not only clarifies the way in which these events are challenging the workings of democracy – amid the rise in populism in response – but comes up with solutions.’ — Jon Snow, journalist and broadcaster `A. C. Grayling applies his great intellectual prowess to the most pressing issue of our times – the subversion of modern democracies by dark money, corporate power, Big Data, social media and fractured political party systems. Utterly brilliant. Urgently needed. A book for NOW.’ * Helena Kennedy, QC * `A compelling and deeply unsettling dissection of the way in which democratic principles have been subverted by vested interests in the UK and the USA. This book shows that democracy can only be defended if we first understand how it is being attacked.’ — Nick Clegg, former Deputy Prime Minister `A compelling book worthy of being shelved alongside the Federalist Papers and Two Treatises of Government.’ * Kirkus *

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