Balancing Democracy

Roland Axtmann

ISBN 10: 0826450318 / ISBN 13: 9780826450319

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, GB, 2001

About this Item

This book addresses one of the classical concerns of comparative politics: the formation and maintenance of stable democracies. How have political scientists analyzed democracy? What are the ideas and ideals that are contained in the concept of "democracy"? How are notions of sovereignty, territoriality, nation, multiculturalism, representation, rights of individuals, of groups and of communities implicated in our understanding of "democracy"? What institutional manifestations have these ideas, ideals and theoretical constructs in the "real world"? How will "democracy" and democratic institutions develop or change as the new millennium gets underway? Written by a specially commissioned group of international experts, the chapters provide, not crystal ball gazing, but an attempt at detecting socio-political trends, highlighting chances for further democratization and dangers for democratic stability. The chapters not only inform, but also bristle with stimulating ideas and insights, challenging the reader to draw up his or her own "balance sheet" of democracy and democratic rule.This book should be of interest to students of comparative politics and democratization as well as to the general reader concerned with democratic developments in the 21st century.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780826450319

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Balancing Democracy
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, GB
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0826450318
• ISBN 13: 9780826450319
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 15.24W x 1.88H x 22.86D centimeters 15.24 centimeters width by 1.88 centimeters height by 22.86 centimeters depth
• Weight: 510 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This book addresses one of the classical concerns of comparative politics: the formation and maintenance of stable democracies. How have political scientists analyzed democracy? What are the ideas and ideals that are contained in the concept of democracy? How are notions of sovereignty, territoriality, nation, multiculturalism, representation, rights of individuals, of groups and of communities implicated in our understanding of democracy? What institutional manifestations have these ideas, ideals and theoretical constructs in the real world? How will democracy and democratic institutions develop or change as the new millennium gets underway? Written by a specially commissioned group of international experts, the chapters provide, not crystal ball gazing, but an attempt at detecting socio-political trends, highlighting chances for further democratization and dangers for democratic stability. The chapters not only inform, but also bristle with stimulating ideas and insights, challenging the reader to draw up his or her own balance sheet of democracy and democratic rule.

About the Author

Roland Axtmann teaches political theory and political sociology in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen.