A Cultural History of Democracy in the Modern Age

This book explores democracy in the 20th century, examining its triumph, crises, recovery, and resilience, and the various cultural aspects associated with it. It highlights the rise of fascism in 1922 and the subsequent defeat of communism in 1945, as well as the rise of populism in 1989. The book offers ten different approaches to democracy since 1920, offering a global, synoptic, and probing exploration of the subject.

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

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate tapestry of democracy in the 20th century, offering a profound exploration of its triumphs, crises, recoveries, and resilience. From its emergence as the dominant discourse in political cultures in 1920, democracy has weathered numerous challenges, even gaining adherents among its adversaries. The collapse of empires paved the way for an unprecedented globalization of democratic aspirations, breaking down barriers of gender and race and granting individuals greater equality. However, the specter of fascism cast a dark shadow over democracy in 1922, and its aftermath saw the demise of liberal democracy wherever communist democracy triumphed.

Yet, a new chapter emerged in 1989, marking a turning point in the narrative of democracy. The rise of populism, however, brought a fresh set of challenges, testing the resilience of democratic institutions. The paradox of the 20th century is that while democracy experienced its zenith, it also faced its near-final defeat. The pursuit of peace and stability, which many had hoped to achieve through the expansion of democracy, proved to be intermittent and geographically limited.

Within this volume, each chapter takes a distinct theme as its focal point, providing a comprehensive and multifaceted examination of democracy since 1920. These ten distinct approaches offer a global, synoptic, and probing exploration of the subject, covering a wide range of topics such as sovereignty, liberty, the "common good," economic and social democracy, religion, citizenship, gender, ethnicity, race, nationalism, democratic crises, revolutions, and civil resistance.

Through these diverse perspectives, the volume sheds light on the complex dynamics that have shaped democracy in the 20th century, illuminating its successes, failures, and the enduring lessons it holds for the future. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers seeking to understand the complexities of democracy and its role in shaping the world we live in today.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350440166