Why Politics Matters Making Democracy Work

Profound social changes have made governance and political leadership more challenging than ever. The result is that politics in the democratic world faces a crisis in the 21st century. The revised edition of this highly successful text reassesses the gap between citizen expectation and the realities of government in light of new developments.

GERRY STOKER is Professor of Politics and Governance at the University of Southampton and Centenary Professor at the University of Canberra, Australia.

Introduction

PART ONE MASS DEMOCRACY: TRIUMPH AND DISAPPOINTMENT
1. The Triumph of Democracy?
2. Global Dissatisfaction with Politics
3. Explanations for Political Disenchantment
4. The Politics of Mass Democracies: Designed-In Disappointment?

PART TWO THE PATHOLOGIES OF POLITICAL PRACTICE
5. The Decline of Citizen Engagement?
6. The Professionalization of Activism and Multi-Speed Activism
7. The Dangers of Cynicism
8. The Perils of Populism

PART THREE SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS
9. Politics for Amateurs
10. Reviving Political Institutions
11. Creating a New Civic Arena
Conclusions