Únase a getAbstract para acceder al resumen.

Could populism actually be good for democracy?

Únase a getAbstract para acceder al resumen.

Could populism actually be good for democracy?

The Guardian,

5 mins. de lectura
5 ideas fundamentales
Audio y Texto

¿De qué se trata?

Democracy remains the best bulwark against tyranny – not despite, but because of its imperfections.

audio autogenerado
  • 0.5×
  • 0.75×
  • 1×
  • 1.25×
  • 1.5×
  • 1.75×
1×
audio autogenerado

Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Bold
  • Background

Recommendation

Winston Churchill famously pronounced that “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” For political scientist James Miller, Churchill’s observation even holds true when democratic passions at times produce chaos, mob rule, and illiberal policies. In an era when an increasing number of people worldwide are questioning the benefits and merits of democratic systems, Miller’s essay antithetically champions keeping the democratic flame alive.   

Summary

Many observers of global politics are alarmed about the rise of illiberal democracies, in which democratically elected strongmen start infringing on individual freedoms and minority rights. These governments derive their legitimacy from the democratic ideal of popular sovereignty by claiming to execute the will of the people who have elected them. Yet they also confirm the worst fears of democracy skeptics: that unrestrained “mob rule” can lead to a tyranny of the majority, the violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, and rash, emotionally charged policy decisions that don’t serve citizens’ long...

About the Author

James Miller is professor of liberal studies and politics at the New School in New York, and the author of Can Democracy Work?

Comment on this summary