The Life and Death of Democracy by John Keane

992 pages, Hardcover

242 x 160 x 50mm (L x W x T)

Condition: Very Good (Has very small/minor signs of wear)

Genres: Nonfiction/Politics/History/Philosophy/Political Science/Anthropology

Spanning from ancient civilizations to the contemporary era, this work offers a sweeping history of democratic philosophy in the West, reminiscent of Paul Kennedy's The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers. John Keane challenges conventional understandings of democracy's origins, questioning its traditional association with ancient Greece and suggesting potential Mesopotamian roots. He also critically examines the democratic credentials of the American and British systems, raising concerns about their adherence to democratic ideals. Furthermore, he explores the challenges facing contemporary democracies globally. Keane, a prominent political theorist, presents a counterintuitive perspective on democracy's trajectory, suggesting that its future may lie not in the West, but rather in the dynamic democracies of the East, particularly India. Moving beyond triumphalist narratives, he cautions against complacency, arguing that democracy's current fragility necessitates significant corrective measures to avert potential decline.