In Search of Democracy

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Civics, International, International Relations
Cover of the book In Search of Democracy by Larry Diamond, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Larry Diamond ISBN: 9781317411369
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 16, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Larry Diamond
ISBN: 9781317411369
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 16, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book evaluates the global status and prospects of democracy, with an emphasis on the quality of democratic institutions and the effectiveness of governance as key conditions for stable democracy. Bringing together a wide range of the author’s work over the past three decades, it advances a framework for assessing the quality of democracy and it analyzes alternative measures of democracy. Drawing on the most recent data from Freedom House, it assesses the global state of democracy and freedom, as of the beginning of 2015, and it explains why the world has been experiencing a mild but now deepening recession of democracy and freedom since 2005.

A major theme of the book across the three decades of the author’s work is the relationship between democratic quality and stability. Democracies break down, Diamond argues, not so much because of economic factors but because of corrupt, inept governance that violates individual rights and the rule of law. The best way to secure democracy is to ensure that democracy is accountable, transparent, genuinely competitive, respectful of individual rights, inclusive of diverse forms and sources of participation, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of ordinary citizens. Viable democracy requires not only a state that can mobilize power to achieve collective goals, but also one that can restrain and punish the abuse of power—a particularly steep challenge for poor countries and those with natural resource wealth.

The book examines these themes both in broad comparative perspective and with a deeper analysis of historical trends and future prospects in Africa and Asia,. Concluding with lessons for sustaining and reforming policies to promote democracy internationally, this book is essential reading for students and scholars interested in democracy, as well as politics and international relations more generally.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book evaluates the global status and prospects of democracy, with an emphasis on the quality of democratic institutions and the effectiveness of governance as key conditions for stable democracy. Bringing together a wide range of the author’s work over the past three decades, it advances a framework for assessing the quality of democracy and it analyzes alternative measures of democracy. Drawing on the most recent data from Freedom House, it assesses the global state of democracy and freedom, as of the beginning of 2015, and it explains why the world has been experiencing a mild but now deepening recession of democracy and freedom since 2005.

A major theme of the book across the three decades of the author’s work is the relationship between democratic quality and stability. Democracies break down, Diamond argues, not so much because of economic factors but because of corrupt, inept governance that violates individual rights and the rule of law. The best way to secure democracy is to ensure that democracy is accountable, transparent, genuinely competitive, respectful of individual rights, inclusive of diverse forms and sources of participation, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of ordinary citizens. Viable democracy requires not only a state that can mobilize power to achieve collective goals, but also one that can restrain and punish the abuse of power—a particularly steep challenge for poor countries and those with natural resource wealth.

The book examines these themes both in broad comparative perspective and with a deeper analysis of historical trends and future prospects in Africa and Asia,. Concluding with lessons for sustaining and reforming policies to promote democracy internationally, this book is essential reading for students and scholars interested in democracy, as well as politics and international relations more generally.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Beyond Smart Cities by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book The Crit: An Architecture Student's Handbook by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book e-Learning Ecologies by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Ethics in Planning by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Practice Notes on Wills by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Interest Groups in American Politics by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Reshaping Education In The 1990s by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Religion and Reality TV by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book The Official History of North Sea Oil and Gas by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Understanding Central America by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book The Planet in 2050 by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book Leigh Hunt and the London Literary Scene by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book An Anthropological Economy of Debt by Larry Diamond
Cover of the book The Fragmented World by Larry Diamond
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy