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In Defence of Democracy

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Defence of Democracy by Roslyn Fuller confronts the rising scepticism towards democratic governance in light of events like Brexit and Trump’s presidency. Challenging the notion that the public is too uninformed to rule, Fuller dismantles arguments that suggest democracy should be limited or replaced by alternative systems such as meritocracy or random legislative panels. The book highlights how elite corruption poses a greater threat to democracy than unpopular political outcomes and advocates for revitalising democratic participation by blending ancient techniques with modern technology.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

In Defence of Democracy is ideal for readers interested in politics, current affairs, and democratic theory, especially those seeking a robust defence of majority rule and fresh perspectives on enhancing democratic systems in a modern world.

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"Are 'the people' too ignorant or stupid to rule? Commentators are beginning to seriously argue that the answer might be 'yes.' In this take-no-prisoners book, Roslyn Fuller shows how many thinkers have embraced the idea that there can be 'too much democracy,' and deftly unravels their attempts to end majority rule"

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Should 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 revitalise 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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Robin McAlpine, Director of Common Weal, praises the book for comprehensively dispelling anti-democratic arguments and arming readers with the means to defend self-governance. Bruno Kaufmann of Democracy International calls it "a winning concept described by this winning writer" and encourages readers to get and read it. The Los Angeles Review of Books describes it as "a valuable guide" to the future of democracy.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509533138

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 September 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 137.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 216

About the Author

Roslyn Fuller is Director of the Solonian Democracy Institute.

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