A Cultural History of Democracy in the Age of Empire

This volume explores democracy as a cultural phenomenon in the 19th century, covering various societies and themes such as sovereignty, liberty, the "common good," economic and social democracy, citizenship, gender, ethnicity, race, and nationalism. It highlights the extensive and synoptic coverage of the subject, making it a formative century in the modern history of democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive volume explores democracy as a multifaceted cultural phenomenon that manifested itself in diverse ways across a vast expanse of societies during the nineteenth century. Initially, democracy was perceived as a contested and often maligned concept of government, lacking a clear and tangible manifestation at the state level. However, over time, it evolved into a term widely associated with effective governance and positive political outcomes across the diverse political cultures of the Atlantic world and beyond. The geographical scope and public reach of discussions about democracy in this era were unprecedented, surpassing previous centuries in terms of breadth and depth. These lively debates delved into fundamental questions about human nature, encompassing a wide range of subjects, from the inclusivity of those who would participate in self-government to the significance of social and economic issues. Consequently, the nineteenth century stands as a pivotal and formative era in the modern history of democracy.

The book is organized into ten distinct chapters, each focusing on a different theme related to democracy in the nineteenth century. These chapters provide a comprehensive and synoptic coverage of the subject, offering ten distinct perspectives on democracy during this period.

The first chapter, titled "Sovereignty," examines the concept of political authority and the role of the state in shaping democratic systems. It explores the debates over the legitimacy of political power, the boundaries of state authority, and the challenges to sovereignty in the face of emerging national and international institutions.

The second chapter, titled "Liberty and the Rule of Law," delves into the principles of individual freedom and the protection of human rights within democratic societies. It explores the tensions between individual liberty and the need for social order, the role of the law in upholding democratic values, and the challenges to the rule of law in times of political unrest and authoritarianism.

The third chapter, titled "The 'Common Good'," examines the notion of collective welfare and the role of government in promoting social and economic equality. It explores the debates over the distribution of resources, the role of the market in shaping economic outcomes, and the challenges to achieving a just and sustainable society.

The fourth chapter, titled "Economic and Social Democracy," explores the relationship between economic development and democratic governance. It examines the debates over the role of the state in promoting economic growth, the distribution of wealth, and the challenges to achieving social justice in a capitalist economy.

The fifth chapter, titled "Religion and the Principles of Political Obligation," explores the role of religion in shaping democratic values and political institutions. It examines the conflicts between religious beliefs and democratic principles, the role of religious institutions in promoting democratic values, and the challenges to religious freedom in democratic societies.

The sixth chapter, titled "Citizenship and Gender," examines the challenges and opportunities for women's participation in democratic politics and society. It explores the historical barriers to women's political participation, the efforts to promote gender equality, and the challenges to achieving gender parity in democratic institutions.

The seventh chapter, titled "Ethnicity, Race, and Nationalism," explores the complex relationships between different ethnic groups, races, and nations within democratic societies. It examines the debates over identity, belonging, and the role of nationalism in shaping political outcomes and social movements.

The eighth chapter, titled "Democratic Crises, Revolutions, and Civil Resistance," examines the challenges and opportunities for democratic governance in times of political instability and social unrest. It explores the causes and consequences of democratic crises, the strategies employed by democratic movements to achieve political change, and the challenges to sustaining democratic institutions in the face of authoritarianism.

The ninth chapter, titled "International Relations," explores the role of democracy in shaping global politics and international relations. It examines the conflicts between democratic and authoritarian regimes, the challenges to promoting democracy in the international arena, and the role of international institutions in promoting democratic values and norms.

The tenth chapter, titled "Beyond the Polis," examines the broader implications of democracy and its potential for shaping societies beyond the traditional boundaries of the state. It explores the challenges and opportunities for democratic governance in urban areas, rural communities, and global networks, and the role of democratic values in promoting social and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume provides a rich and nuanced exploration of democracy as a cultural phenomenon that manifested itself in diverse ways across a vast expanse of societies during the nineteenth century. It offers ten distinct perspectives on democracy, each offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for democratic governance in different contexts. By examining democracy through the lens of sovereignty, liberty, the common good, economic and social democracy, religion, citizenship, gender, ethnicity, race, nationalism, democratic crises, revolutions, and civil resistance, this book contributes to our understanding of the complex and evolving nature of democratic politics and society.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350440043