Democracy Rules (Paperback)

Jan-Werner Mueller

ISBN 10: 0141990058 / ISBN 13: 9780141990057

Published by Penguin Books Ltd, London, 2022

About this Item

Paperback. One of our most essential political thinkers offers a vital account of democracy in the twenty-first centuryAfter the acrimony of Brexit, the shock of Trump, and the continued pull of Putin and Xi it seems that democracy is in a state of decay. And as governments around the world struggle to combat the coronavirus - often adopting draconian measures as a response - there is a sense, a panic, that democracy's decline may be terminal. But how many of us are certain about what democracy actually is?Acclaimed political philosopher Jan-Werner M ller lucidly argues that in order for us to understand the true risks of our current moment, we must first establish an understanding of first principles. What is essential for democracy to flourish? How can we defend it without forever distorting its DNA?In this elegant volume, he explains how democracy is founded not just on liberty and equality, but also on uncertainty. Drawing on history, art and examples from around the globe, he shows that we need tore-invigorate political parties and free media, the institutions that have been essential for democracy's success ever since the nineteenth century. Challenging conventional wisdom, M ller suggests concretely how democracy's crucial institutions could be renovated, re-empowering citizens while also preserving a place for professionals such as journalists and judges.Taking on many of the most difficult political questions we face, this book is a vital rethinking of what democracy can mean in an age of big data, curated news feeds, collapsing parties and social alienation - and how we can reinvent our democratic social contract. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780141990057

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Democracy Rules (Paperback)
• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd, London
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0141990058
• ISBN 13: 9780141990057
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

'Lively. . . This is one of those rare books about a pressing subject that reads less like a forced march than an inviting stroll . . . A book that encourages thinking, observation and discernment' New York Times

One of our most essential political thinkers offers a vital account of democracy in the twenty-first century

Everyone knows that democracy is in trouble, but do we know what democracy actually is? Political philosopher Jan-Werner Müller, author of the widely acclaimed What Is Populism?, takes us back to basics.

In this short, elegant volume, he explains how democracy is founded on three vital principles: liberty, equality, and also uncertainty. The latter, he argues, is crucial for ensuring democracy's dynamic and creative character. Authoritarians, as well as Big Tech, seek to render politics (and individual citizens) predictable; democracy holds open the possibility that new ideas, movements and identities can be created.

Acknowledging fully the dangers posed by populism, by kleptocratic autocracies like Russia's and by the digital authoritarianism of Xi, Müller also challenges the assumptions made by many liberals defending democracy in recent years. He shows how the secession of plutocratic elites in the West has undermined much of democracy's promise. In response, we need to re-invigorate our institutions, especially political parties and professional media, but also make it easier for citizens to mobilize.

Taking on many of the most difficult political questions we face, this book is a vital rethinking of what democracy is, and how we can reinvent our social contract.

About the Author

Jan-Werner Müller is Professor of Politics at Princeton University and the author of several books, most recently the critically acclaimed What Is Populism? He contributes regularly to London Review of Books, the Guardian, and the New York Review of Books.