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The second edition of this classic text covers contemporary democracy movements including the Arab Spring and its aftermath, Occupy, and new nations as well as old issues from the Balkans to Africa, from Latin America to Ukraine. The author has traveled widely around the world to take the pulse of transition and to profile journeys toward democracy and journeys away from democracy, too. At the same time, the book addresses important challenges that have emerged in even well-established democracies. These show up in declining voting rates, diminished membership in political parties, and, in some countries including the United States, negative views of central democratic institutions (like the US Congress).
List of contents
1 A Quick History of Modern Democracy
2 States, Social Movement Challengers, and Elite Reformers
3 Eighteenth-Century Revolution, Nineteenth-Century Eddies
4 Twentieth-Century Pendulum Swings
5 Semidemocracy, Pseudodemocracy, Democracy
6 Beyond the Great Democratic Wave
7 Into the Twenty-First Century: New Challenges, New Opportunities
About the author
John Markoff is Professor of Sociology and History at the University of Pittsburgh.
Summary
The second edition of this classic text covers contemporary democracy movements including the Arab Spring and its aftermath, Occupy, and new nations as well as old issues from the Balkans to Africa, from Latin America to Ukraine. The author has traveled widely around the world to take the pulse of transition and to profile journeys toward democracy and journeys away from democracy, too. At the same time, the book addresses important challenges that have emerged in even well-established democracies. These show up in declining voting rates, diminished membership in political parties, and, in some countries including the United States, negative views of central democratic institutions (like the US Congress).
Additional text
“A great book with a very useful blend of sociological and historical insights, appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate classes.”
—Miguel Carter, American University
“A distinct and unique book, the perfect size and price for a supplementary text.”
—Markus Kreuzer, Villanova University
“A very welcome new edition.”
—Gerardo L. Munck, University of Southern California
