Comp Approach Amer Hist - Hardcover

Woodward, W.e.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0465013384 ISBN 13: 9780465013388

Publisher: Basic Books, 1968

Synopsis

Even as Russia and the other former Soviet republics struggle to redefine themselves in democratic terms, our own democracy if faltering, not flourishing. We confront one another as aggrieved groups rather than as free citizens. Cynicism, boredom, apathy, despair, violence—these have become coin of the civic realm. They are dark signs of the times and a warning that democracy may not be up to the task of satisfying the yearnings it unleashes—yearnings for freedom, fairness, and equality.In this timely, thought-provoking book, one of America’s leading political philosophers and public intellectuals questions whether democracy will prove sufficiently robust and resilient to survive the century. Beginning with a catalogue of our discontents, Jean Bethke Elshtain asks what has gone wrong and why. She draws on examples from America and other parts of the world as she explores the politics of race, ethnicity, and gender identity—controversial, and essential, political issues of our day. Insisting that there is much to cherish in our democratic traditions, she concludes that democracy involves a permanent clash between conservatism and progressive change.Elshtain distinguishes her own position from those of both the Left and the Right, demonstrating why she has been called one of our most interesting and independent civic thinkers. Responding to critics of democracy, ancient and modern, Elshtain urges us to have the courage of our most authentic democratic convictions. We need, she insists, both hope and a sense of reality.Writing her book for citizens, not experts, Elshtain aims to open up a dialogue and to move us beyond sterile sectarian disputes. Democracy on Trial will generate wide debate and controversy.

About this title

About the Author

C. Vann Woodward, one of the preeminent American historians, is Emeritus Professor of History at Yale University. He is author or editor of numerous works, and is the series editor for The Oxford History of the United States.

Review

"It is evident that comparing American history internationally is an idea whose time has returned. Perhaps Woodward's Comparative Approach will have a greater impact this time around. Its shortcomings and omissions are more obvious now, but so are its strengths: its call to make American history more cosmopolitan, its devotion to the nation as a unit of analysis, its still-provocative individual essays, its openness to a variety of comparative techniques, and its avoidance of specialized jargon. As we set out to broaden our audience and internationalize our outlook, we ought to profit from its example."--Carl J. Guameri, Reviews in American History

"In this changed environment Woodward's anthology, bypassed the first time around, has recovered its relevance. Rereading it today, we can find much to admire....Perhaps Woodward's Comparative Approach will have a greater impact this time around....As we set out to broaden our audience and internationalize our outlook, we ought to profit from its example."--Carl J. Guameri, Reviews in American History

"Professor Woodward's book is a major publishing event. It will make an exciting teaching device and will stimulate scholarship in many fields."--Michael G. Kammen, Cornell University

Edition details

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication date: 1968
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0465013384
• ISBN 13: 9780465013388
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176