Rotation of Power: A Theory of Democratic Competition

This book explores the often-overlooked democratic principle of 'rotation of power'. It considers two key questions: what happens when power stops changing hands in a democracy, and when incumbents manipulate the system to entrench themselves in office, can democracy survive? Democracies are often celebrated for their ability to ensure accountability and renewal through the peaceful and unhindered alternation of power. Yet, they are not immune to a dangerous phenomenon: political self-entrenchment. This phenomenon occurs when incumbents, unilaterally or collectively, exploit the power of office to dominate the political arena, tilt the playing field, and distort democratic competition. Contributing to scholarly and judicial debates, this book offers a fresh perspective on this issue by focusing on the cornerstone value of democracy: the rotation of power. Through sharp analysis and case studies from multiple jurisdictions, this book tackles the following critical questions: why is the rotation of power fundamental to democracy? How do incumbents undermine it? And, crucially, how can we protect democratic competition from those who seek to monopolise power?

Book details

• Publication date: 19 February 2026
• Page count: 200
• Dimensions: Height 236 mm; Width 162 mm; Thickness 18 mm
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9781509990733