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In an age of rising authoritarianism, political polarization, and democratic backsliding, Democracy in Ten Questions offers a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the enduring debates over the value of democracy. This concise yet comprehensive book introduces key issues, including what democracy means, why it is desirable, who the people are, whether populism is democratic and the role a constitution plays. Written by a leading voice in contemporary democratic theory, Democracy in Ten Questions provides readers with tools for engaging in more profound conversations on democracy and invites them to see it as an ongoing, evolving project. It helps readers of all levels navigate different democratic ideals and practices, enabling them to make better judgments about the democracies in which they live. A short book on democracy, rich with literature and real-life examples.
Sofia Näsström is Professor at the Department of Government, Uppsala University, Sweden, specializing in political theory. She is the author of The Spirit of Democracy: Corruption, Disintegration, Renewal (2021) and others, as well as winner of the DISA Award for popular science writing.
List of contents
Chapter 1: What is Democracy?.- Chapter 2: Is Democracy Desirable?.- Chapter 3: Who are The People?.- Chapter 4: How Should the People Rule?.- Chapter 5: Rule Democratically—but Over What?.- Chapter 6: Does Democracy Need a Constitution?.- Chapter 7: Is Populism Democratic?.- Chapter 8: Should a Democracy Defend Itself?.- Chapter 9: Is Democracy Fast or Slow?.- Chapter 10: Does Democracy Have a Future?.
About the author
Sofia Näsström is Professor at the Department of Government, Uppsala University, Sweden, specializing in political theory. She is the author of The Spirit of Democracy: Corruption, Disintegration, Renewal (2021) and others, as well as winner of the DISA Award for popular science writing.
Summary
In an age of rising authoritarianism, political polarization, and democratic backsliding, Democracy in Ten Questions offers a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the enduring debates over the value of democracy. This concise yet comprehensive book introduces key issues, including what democracy means, why it is desirable, who the people are, whether populism is democratic and the role a constitution plays. Written by a leading voice in contemporary democratic theory, Democracy in Ten Questions provides readers with tools for engaging in more profound conversations on democracy and invites them to see it as an ongoing, evolving project. It helps readers of all levels navigate different democratic ideals and practices, enabling them to make better judgments about the democracies in which they live. A short book on democracy, rich with literature and real-life examples.
