Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy

Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy connects the study of direct democracy to comparative democratization and normative democratic theory, arguing that citizen-initiated mechanisms of direct democracy empower citizens and strengthen democracies' normative foundations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy stands out as a unique and groundbreaking contribution to the study of direct democracy. By seamlessly integrating the analysis of direct democracy with the broader field of comparative democratization and drawing upon an essential strand in normative democratic theory, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the dynamics between direct democracy and representative government.

The book is structured into three main sections, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of contemporary direct democracy. The first section delves into the origins of direct democracy, tracing its historical roots and examining the factors that have shaped its development in different contexts. The second section focuses on the functioning of direct democracy, examining how it operates in practice and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The third section explores strategies for improving the use of direct democracy and mitigating its potential for abuse.

One of the key arguments made by David Altman in the book is that citizen-initiated mechanisms of direct democracy constitute an important and viable way to re-invigorate current representative regimes by strengthening their normative foundations, particularly in the context of unequal societies. Altman argues that these mechanisms empower citizens, channel social demands, defuse violence, re-engage citizens with politics, and break through some of the institutionalized barriers to accountability that arise in representative systems.

Through its comprehensive analysis and compelling arguments, Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of democratic politics and governance. It offers insights into the potential benefits and challenges of direct democracy, as well as practical strategies for promoting its effective implementation and safeguarding against abuse. This book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists alike, as it sheds light on the evolving landscape of democratic governance and provides a roadmap for building more inclusive and responsive democratic systems.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108721776