Democracy Rules

More about the book

In the wake of Brexit, Trump's election, and the influence of authoritarian leaders, democracy appears to be in decline. The ongoing struggle against the coronavirus has led many governments to adopt strict measures, fueling fears that democracy may be facing a terminal crisis. Yet, how many truly grasp what democracy entails? Political philosopher Jan-Werner Müller argues that to comprehend the current threats to democracy, we must first clarify its foundational principles. He posits that democracy relies not only on liberty and equality but also on uncertainty. Through historical and global examples, Müller emphasizes the need to revitalize political parties and free media, which have been crucial to democracy since the nineteenth century. He challenges conventional wisdom by offering concrete suggestions for renewing democracy's vital institutions, empowering citizens while maintaining roles for professionals like journalists and judges. Addressing pressing political issues, this work reexamines the meaning of democracy in an era marked by big data, curated news, weakened parties, and social alienation, proposing ways to reinvent the democratic social contract.