
Democracy Rules
Jan-Werner Mueller(Author)
Penguin Books Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 1. September 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-14-199005-7 (ISBN)
Description
'Lively. . . This is one of those rare books about a pressing subject that reads less like a forced march than an inviting stroll . . . A book that encourages thinking, observation and discernment' New York Times
One of our most essential political thinkers offers a vital account of democracy in the twenty-first century
Everyone knows that democracy is in trouble, but do we know what democracy actually is? Political philosopher Jan-Werner Mueller, author of the widely acclaimed What Is Populism?, takes us back to basics.
In this short, elegant volume, he explains how democracy is founded on three vital principles: liberty, equality, and also uncertainty. The latter, he argues, is crucial for ensuring democracy's dynamic and creative character. Authoritarians, as well as Big Tech, seek to render politics (and individual citizens) predictable; democracy holds open the possibility that new ideas, movements and identities can be created.
Acknowledging fully the dangers posed by populism, by kleptocratic autocracies like Russia's and by the digital authoritarianism of Xi, Mueller also challenges the assumptions made by many liberals defending democracy in recent years. He shows how the secession of plutocratic elites in the West has undermined much of democracy's promise. In response, we need to re-invigorate our institutions, especially political parties and professional media, but also make it easier for citizens to mobilize.
Taking on many of the most difficult political questions we face, this book is a vital rethinking of what democracy is, and how we can reinvent our social contract.
One of our most essential political thinkers offers a vital account of democracy in the twenty-first century
Everyone knows that democracy is in trouble, but do we know what democracy actually is? Political philosopher Jan-Werner Mueller, author of the widely acclaimed What Is Populism?, takes us back to basics.
In this short, elegant volume, he explains how democracy is founded on three vital principles: liberty, equality, and also uncertainty. The latter, he argues, is crucial for ensuring democracy's dynamic and creative character. Authoritarians, as well as Big Tech, seek to render politics (and individual citizens) predictable; democracy holds open the possibility that new ideas, movements and identities can be created.
Acknowledging fully the dangers posed by populism, by kleptocratic autocracies like Russia's and by the digital authoritarianism of Xi, Mueller also challenges the assumptions made by many liberals defending democracy in recent years. He shows how the secession of plutocratic elites in the West has undermined much of democracy's promise. In response, we need to re-invigorate our institutions, especially political parties and professional media, but also make it easier for citizens to mobilize.
Taking on many of the most difficult political questions we face, this book is a vital rethinking of what democracy is, and how we can reinvent our social contract.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 196 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
192 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-14-199005-7 (9780141990057)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Jan-Werner Mueller
Democracy Rules
E-Book
07/2021
1st Edition
Penguin Books Ltd
€9.49
Available for download
Person
Jan-Werner Mueller is Professor of Politics at Princeton University and the author most recently of the critically acclaimed What Is Populism? and Democracy Rules. He contributes regularly to the London Review of Books, The Guardian and Foreign Policy.