Deformations of Democracy: David Beetham in Contemporary Politics

by John Schwarzmantel (Editor), Helen Beetham (Editor)

Overview

Academics and activists debate current problems of democratic politics and seek ways to renew the ideals of democracy in a climate of disillusionment and cynicism. Taking their inspiration from the work of David Beetham, an eminent scholar of democracy in theory and practice, they analyse features of democratic crisis today, from the rise of authoritarianism to the decline of trust in parliaments. They also introduce Beetham’s work to a contemporary readership. There are new analyses of his writings on Weber, Marxism, fascism and legitimacy, as well as fresh perspectives on his definition of democracy as popular control and equal voice, a definition he founded on shared human rights. As those rights come under threat from war, climate change and advanced techno-capitalism, as well as from authoritarian politics and direct threats to democratic institutions, this book provides a guide to everyone concerned with democracy and its prospects.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399536615
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	02/28/2025
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

John Schwarzmantel is a Visiting Research Fellow in POLIS, University of Leeds

Helen Beetham is Lecturer in the Manchester Institute for Education, University of Manchester

Table of Contents

Introduction
John Schwarzmantel

1. Five Deformations of Democracy
David Beetham

Part I. Democratic Theory and Human Rights
2. Equality, Democracy and the Foresight of the Beetham Model
Seema Shah

3. David Beetham’s Democratic Theory
Jean-Paul Gagnon and Alex Prior

4. Human Rights and Democratic Politics
Maureen Ramsay

5. The Fight for Women’s Rights in Turkey
Elif Gözdaşoğlu Küçükalioğlu

Part II. Authoritarianism
6. Populist Leadership Today: From Wild Promises to Dashed Hopes
Alan Scott

7. Fascism Today, the Challenge of Authoritarianism
Paul Mason

Part III. Representation and legitimacy
8. Coupling Mini-Publics with Legislatures – A Solution to Parliamentary Decline?
Stephen Elstub

9. Legitimating Power Today
Erla Thrandardottir

Part IV. The Way Ahead – Extending Democracy in Contemporary Politics
10. Beyond Unelected Oligarchy: Democratic Prospects for the UK
Anthony Barnett, Hilary Wainwright and Helen Beetham

11. New Democratic Formations: Popular Control on a Finite Planet
Helen Beetham and Hilary Wainwright

Editorial Reviews

David Beetham was a major analyst of democracy, legitimacy and human rights, tackling both theory and practice. Yet his work did not always get the attention it deserved, especially outside of the UK. This excellent book critically discusses key themes in Beetham’s work. It should be read by anyone seeking illumination on these issues.

Adrian Blau