Reconstructing Democracy : How Citizens Are Building from the Ground Up

Taylor, Charles; Nanz, Patrizia; Taylor, Madeleine Beaubien

ISBN 10: 0674244621 / ISBN 13: 9780674244627

Published by Harvard University Press, 2020

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 38588389-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Reconstructing Democracy : How Citizens Are Building from the Ground Up
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication Date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674244621
• ISBN 13: 9780674244627
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

“An urgent manifesto for the reconstruction of democratic belonging in our troubled times.” ―Davide Panagia

Across the world, democracies are suffering from a disconnect between the people and political elites. In communities where jobs and industry are scarce, many feel the government is incapable of understanding their needs or addressing their problems. The resulting frustration has fueled the success of destabilizing demagogues. To reverse this pattern and restore responsible government, we need to reinvigorate democracy at the local level. But what does that mean? Drawing on examples of successful community building in cities large and small, from a shrinking village in rural Austria to a neglected section of San Diego, Reconstructing Democracy makes a powerful case for re-engaging citizens. It highlights innovative grassroots projects and shows how local activists can form alliances and discover their own power to solve problems.

About the Authors

Charles Taylor is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Philosophy at McGill University. Author of The Language Animal, Sources of the Self, The Ethics of Authenticity, and A Secular Age, he has received many honors, including the Templeton Prize, the Berggruen Prize, and membership in the Order of Canada.

Patrizia Nanz is president of the European University Institute (EUI). She is a coauthor of No Representation Without Consultation: A Citizen’s Guide to Participatory Democracy.

Madeleine Beaubien Taylor is the Chief Executive Officer of Network Impact and coauthor of Connecting to Change the World: Harnessing the Power of Networks for Social Impact. She previously taught with the Committee on Degrees in Social Studies at Harvard University.