How Sick Is British Democracy?

Reviews / Votes

'This book by a world-renowned political scientist with great knowledge of the subject tackles the controversial topic of the current state of British democracy. You may not agree with all he says (I didn't), but you will certainly learn a lot (I did)'.

- Kenneth Newton , former Executive Director, European Consortium for Political Research, UK

' How Sick Is British Democracy? is a highly readable and sophisticated analysis of the health of British democracy. Rose deftly diagnoses the aspects of the British body politic that are struggling to retain their democratic qualities, those that are healthy, and those suffering chronic shortcomings. Students will find this extensive treatment of the institutions and practices of British democracy and be challenged to consider proposals to improve them'.

- Janet Laible , Executive Director British Politics Group, an affiliate of the American Political Science Association

- James Curran , Professor of Communications, Goldsmiths University of London, UK

'We are used to discussing the health of the economy, but this stimulating book applies the medical analogy to British democracy. What comes across from this much needed health check is a sense of an accumulation of co-morbidities. However, the prognosis is nonetheless optimistic thanks to a detailed analysis of how UK democracy can reform itself. Like a good doctor, Richard Rose thus explains that there are no miracle cures and that the key to good health is following the right advice'.

- Andrew Glencross , Senior Lecturer in Politics, Aston University, UK

'Richard Rose provides a thorough analysis of the state of British democracy after years of upheaval. He reports that it is in mixed health - better than fatalists would argue but not without its problems. His proposed solutions outline the terrain over which British politics will progress for years to come'.

- Kevin Hickson , Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool, UK