MACMILLAN The Weariness of Democracy: Confronting the Failure of Liberal Democracy

Liberal democracy today, having aligned itself with capitalism, is producing a generalized feeling of weariness and disillusionment with government among the citizenry of many countries.  Because of a decades-long march of globalized capitalism, economic oligarchies have gained oppressive levels of political power, and as a result, the economic needs of many people around the world have been neglected. It then becomes essential to remember that our ability to change society emerges from our power to formulate different questions; or, in this case, alternative understandings of democracy. This book draws together a variety of alternative theories of democracies in a quest to expose readers to a selection of the most exciting and innovative new approaches to politics today. The consideration of these leading alternative conceptualizations of democracy is important, as it is now common to see xenophobic and racist rhetoric using the platform of liberal democracy to threaten ideas of plurality, diversity, equality, and economic justice. In looking at four different models of democracy (utopian democracy, radical democracy, republican democracy, and plural democracy) this book argues that encounters with alternate conceptualizations of democracy is necessary if citizens and scholars are going to understand the constellation of possibilities that exist for inclusive, plural, economically equal, and just societies. Review “In The Weariness of Democracy, philosophers from Europe, Latin America, and the US consider democracy and the contemporary disillusionment with it. Extremely stimulating and informative, the diverse chapters expand our understanding of democracy and its problems.” (Richard Schmitt, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Brown University, USA) “An indispensable kaleidoscope of perspectives, from the Global North and South, that provides insight into the growing detachment of many people from the supposed pillars of liberal democracy, cultural pluralism, political inclusion, and healthy individualism.” (Andoni Ibarra, Professor of Philosophy, University of the Basque Country, Spain)   From the Back Cover Liberal democracy today, having aligned itself with capitalism, is producing a generalized feeling of weariness and disillusionment with government among the citizenry of many countries.  Because of a decades-long march of globalized capitalism, economic oligarchies have gained oppressive levels of political power, and as a result, the economic needs of many people around the world have been neglected. It then becomes essential to remember that our ability to change society emerges from our power to formulate different questions; or, in this case, alternative understandings of democracy. This book draws together a variety of alternative theories of democracies in a quest to expose readers to a selection of the most exciting and innovative new approaches to politics today. The consideration of these leading alternative conceptualizations of democracy is important, as it is now common to see xenophobic and racist rhetoric using the platform of liberal democracy to threaten ideas of plurality, diversity, equality, and economic justice. In looking at four different models of democracy (utopian democracy, radical democracy, republican democracy, and plural democracy) this book argues that encounters with alternate conceptualizations of democracy is necessary if citizens and scholars are going to understand the constellation of possibilities that exist for inclusive, plural, economically equal, and just societies. About the Author Obed Frausto is Assistant Professor of Honors Humanities at Ball State University, USA.  Jason Powell is Assistant Professor of Honors Humanities at Ball State University, USA.  Sarah Vitale is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Ball State University, USA.