Contested Representation: Challenges, Shortcomings and Reforms

Democratic institutions have faced a representation crisis, with authoritarian backsliding and challenges to established liberal democracies. Contested Representation critically assesses the performance of representative institutions in Europe and North America, looking at electoral institutions, government responsiveness, alternative institutions, and the political economy of populism. It provides critical frameworks for democratic reform.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 365 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the past two decades, democratic institutions have grappled with a profound crisis of representation. This crisis has manifested in various forms, ranging from authoritarian backsliding in countries that have recently undergone democratic transformations to severe challenges to established liberal democracies. The very essence of political representation and its ability to succeed have become subject to intense debate, as scholars and policymakers seek to navigate an increasingly complex and fraught political landscape.

In response to this pressing need, Contested Representation brings together a diverse group of scholars from across the United States and Europe. These experts come from various fields, including political science, sociology, economics, and law, and their contributions provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the state of representative institutions in Europe and North America.

The volume adopts a comparative approach, examining the performance of representative institutions in both regions and exploring the factors that contribute to their success or failure. Chapters delve into a range of topics, including the viability of electoral institutions, the responsiveness of government to public preferences, alternative institutions for more inclusive democracy, and the political economy of populism. These chapters also address the broader normative question of how democratic institutions can be adapted to new conditions and challenges.

Expertly researched and exceedingly timely, Contested Representation offers critical frameworks that highlight realistic pathways to democratic reform. The volume provides a wealth of insights and ideas that will be valuable to scholars, policymakers, and activists alike as they work to strengthen and revitalize democratic institutions in the face of ongoing challenges.

In conclusion, Contested Representation is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the complex dynamics of democratic representation and offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing democratic institutions in the 21st century. By bringing together a diverse group of scholars from across the globe, the volume provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the state of representative institutions and offers practical solutions for democratic reform. As we navigate an increasingly uncertain and complex political landscape, this volume serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to promote and strengthen democratic values.

ISBN-13: 9781009267687