Democracy is in crisis. As neo-Nazis, right-wing populists, and
authoritarians, old and new, stake their claims around the world,
democracy faces its greatest challenge yet. The only way to save it is
to change it.
Democracy as we know it is flawed. The three pillars that divide power
in liberal democracy--the executive, legislative, and judicial--keep
citizens from making decisions about policies that affect them most. For
a true democracy to flourish, argue Patrizia Nanz and Claus Leggewie, we
need a fourth pillar: the consultative.
This short and accessible guide to new kind of political engagement
offers a chronicle of the political past and present--including an
important analysis of right-wing populism's recent and historic
allure--and a robust analysis of the accomplishments of protest
movements and citizens' groups. With a rare optimism, which values the
wisdom of the masses over the narrow-mindedness of today's tyrants, this
guide is a modern call-to-arms for a more democratic future.