The End of Populism: Twenty Proposals to Defend Liberal Democracy

Van Herpen, Marcel H.

ISBN 10: 1526154137 / ISBN 13: 9781526154132

Published by Manchester University Press, 2021

The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR014427154

Synopsis:

The populist wave which has submerged Europe and the United States in recent years seems unstoppable. But is it? The end of populism offers answers and proposes concrete solutions to confront the rise of “illiberal democracy.”

Drawing on extensive original sources, this book refutes the populist claim that democracy is a “demand side” phenomenon, and demonstrates that it is rather a “supply side” phenomenon. Marcel H. Van Herpen argues that one can have "too much democracy” and shows how methods of direct democracy, such as popular initiatives, referendums, and open primaries, which pretend “to give the power back to the people,” have led to manipulation by populists and moneyed interests. Populist attacks on the judiciary, central banks, the media, and other independent agencies, instead of strengthening democracy, have rather undermined liberal democracy. The author formulates twenty original and bold proposals to bridge the gap between the people and the elites, fight corruption, improve political party funding, and initiate societal, educational, and macro-economic reforms to increase economic equality and alleviate the insecurity of the citizens.

Elegantly written and clearly argued, this is an essential book for understanding the populist phenomenon.

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About the Author: Marcel H. Van Herpen is a political analyst and Director of the Cicero Foundation, a think tank based in Maastricht -- .

Bibliographic Details

Title: The End of Populism: Twenty Proposals to ...
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Publication Date: 2021
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good