Democracy Rules

Lively. . . This is one of those rare books about a pressing subject that reads less like a forced march than an inviting stroll . . . A book that encourages thinking observation and discernment New York TimesOne of our most essential political thinkers offers a vital account of democracy in the twenty-first centuryEveryone knows that democracy is in trouble but do we know what democracy actually is? Political philosopher Jan-Werner Müller author of the widely acclaimed What Is Populism? takes us back to basics. In this short elegant volume he explains how democracy is founded on three vital principles: liberty equality and also uncertainty. The latter he argues is crucial for ensuring democracys dynamic and creative character. Authoritarians as well as Big Tech seek to render politics (and individual citizens) predictable; democracy holds open the possibility that new ideas movements and identities can be created. Acknowledging fully the dangers posed by populism by kleptocratic autocracies like Russias and by the digital authoritarianism of Xi Müller also challenges the assumptions made by many liberals defending democracy in recent years. He shows how the secession of plutocratic elites in the West has undermined much of democracys promise. In response we need to re-invigorate our institutions especially political parties and professional media but also make it easier for citizens to mobilize. Taking on many of the most difficult political questions we face this book is a vital rethinking of what democracy is and how we can reinvent our social contract.