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This book takes an in-depth look at the debates surrounding democracy and social democracy. Questioning the effectiveness of elections and referenda in expressing the 'voice of the people', it explores how voters' decisions are influenced by ideology and politicians' past performance. It examines how political parties converge towards the median voter's position, and the strategies they use to win elections and justify their past performance. Furthermore, it explores the relationship between socialism and liberalism within European social democracy, highlighting the compatibility of egalitarian policies with economic competitiveness.
Written by José María Maravall, the former Spanish Minister of Education and Science (1982-1988), the book's analysis is enriched by the author's personal background. With a history of anti-Francoist activism, membership of underground organisations, and roles within the Spanish Socialist Party, the author's experiences offer unique insights into political strategy and governance. Drawing additionally on extensive data and empirical evidence, the book provides a thorough analysis of democracy, accountability, and the survival of governments, making it essential reading for anyone interested in democracy and social democracy.
List of contents
Chapter 1. Democracy and the Survival of Governments.- Chapter 2. Democracy and Manipulation.- Chapter 3. The Strategy of Election Timing.- Chapter 4. What is Left? The Changing Promises of Social Democracy.
About the author
José María Maravall is a distinguished Spanish academic and politician affiliated with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. He holds doctorates from the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) and Oxford University (UK), and an Honorary D.Litt. from Warwick University (UK). Maravall directed the Centre for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (CEACS) at the Juan March Institute in Madrid and was a professor at the Complutense University of Madrid. He has taught at the University of Warwick and as a visiting professor at NYU, Columbia (USA), Harvard (USA), and the European University Institute. A former Spanish Minister of Education and Science (1982-1988), Maravall is an Honorary Fellow of St. Antony's College, Oxford, and a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy.
