Models of Democracy - Softcover

Held, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745617492 ISBN 13: 9780745617497

Publisher: Blackwell Publishers, 1996

Synopsis

The first edition of Models of Democracy has proved immensely popular among students and specialists world-wide. In a succinct but far-reaching analysis, David Held provides an introduction to central accounts of democracy from classical Greece to the present and a critical discussion of what democracy should mean today. The second edition has been extensively revised and updated to take account of the significant transformations in world politics during the past ten years. These changes are reflected in new chapters on the impact on democracy of the fall of the Soviet empire, the prospects of the democratic nation-state in the light of the intensification of regionalization and globalization, and the future of democracy in a more global era. The second edition also takes account of the considerable scholarship in political thought in the last decade, and of the challenges it poses to our understanding of the democratic heritage. This has led to a new chapter on republicanism and to thoroughly revised or updated chapters on classical Athens, liberalism, Marxism, the competitive elitism of Weber and Schumpeter, pluralism, and the post-war polarization of democratic ideals. Like its predecessor, the second edition of Models of Democracy combines lucid exposition and clarity of expression with careful scholarship and originality making it highly attractive both to students and to experts in the field. The second edition will prove essential reading for all those interested in politics, political theory and political philosophy.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

In a succinct and far-reaching analysis, David Held provides an introduction to major theories of democracy from classical Greece to the present, along with a critical discussion of what democracy should mean today.
This new edition has been extensively revised and updated to take into account significant transformations in world politics. A new chapter on deliberative democracy has been added, which focuses on how citizen participation can be increased in politics, and how that participation can become more informed.
Like its predecessor, the third edition of Models of Democracy combines lucid exposition and clarity of expression with careful scholarship and originality, making it highly attractive to students and experts in the field. The third edition will prove essential reading for all those interested in politics, political theory, and political philosophy.
Praise for the second edition:
“Held’s new book on models of democracy is itself a model of its kind—a meticulously edited, easily accessible, and clearly signposted critical analysis of theories of democracy from classical antiquity to the present day.”—Ethics
“In this timely and thought-provoking study, Held provides a critical reassessment of major theories of democracy from ancient Greece to the present, along with his own prescription for revitalizing contemporary democratic politics. . . . This volume should be read and pondered by anyone interested in the future of democracy.”—The Annals

From the Back Cover

Blurbs for the second edition:

"Held's new book on models of democracy is itself a model of its kind—a meticulously edited, easily accessible, and clearly signposted critical analysis of theories of democracy from classical antiquity to the present day." —Ethics,
"In this timely and thought-provoking study, Held provides a critical reassessment of major theories of democracy from ancient Greece to the present, along with his own prescription for revitalizing contemporary democratic politics. . . . This volume should be read and pondered by anyone interested in the future of democracy." —The Annals,

Edition details

• Publisher: Blackwell Publishers
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0745617492
• ISBN 13: 9780745617497
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2