The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad

by Fareed Zakaria Narrated by Ned Schmidtke

Overview

More democracy means more freedom. Or does it?

American democracy is, in many people's minds, the model for the rest of the world. Fareed Zakaria points out that the American form of democracy is one of the least democratic in use today. Members of the Supreme Court and the Federal Reserve, institutions that fundamentally shape our lives, are appointed, not elected. The Bill of Rights enumerates a set of privileges to which citizens are entitled, no matter what the majority says. By restricting our democracy, we enhance our freedom.

Abroad, the spread of democracy has not produced a corresponding growth of liberty. We are seeing in many parts of the world, a strange creature-the elected autocrat. Zakaria calls for a restoration of the balance between liberty and democracy and shows how liberal democracy has to be made effective and relevant for our times.

A modern classic that uses historical analysis to shed light on the present, The Future of Freedom enjoyed extended stays on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post bestseller lists and has been translated into eighteen languages.

Editorial Reviews

Wall Street Journal

"Splendid.... Mr. Zakaria flies his colors bright and bold."

New York Times Book Review

"In his brave and ambitious book, Fareed Zakaria has updated Tocqueville.... The range of Zakaria's knowledge is impressive.... It deserves a wide readership."

Chicago Tribune

"With a command of history and contemporary politics on a global scale, Zakaria persuasively shows that democracy by itself is not the answer to peace and prosperity.... Essential reading for anyone worried about the promotion and preservation of liberty."

Peter Jennings

"A very thoughtful and intelligent book which is important for all Americans and those who would make American policy."

Arthur M. Schlesinger

"In this incisive book, Fareed Zakaria asks searching questions and offers provocative answers. The Future of Freedom is an impressive contribution to our understanding of the crises of democracy that lie darkly ahead."

Foreign Affairs

"Zakaria's provocative and wide-ranging book is eminently worth reading.... His book displays a kind of argumentation, grounded in history and political philosophy, of which there is precious little these days, particularly among opinion columnists."

Henry Kissinger

"Fareed Zakaria, one of the most brilliant young writers, has produced a fascinating and thought-provoking book on the impact of Western constitutional principles on the global order."

BusinessWeek

"Intensely provocative and valuable."

JUN/JUL 04 - AudioFile

This provacative book is written by NEWSWEEK columnist and television commentator Fareed Zakaria. Ned Schmidtke’s fine reading is even-paced and clear and fits well with the material. While his voice is not particularly dynamic, it is appropriate for the text. Zakaria challenges conventional wisdom on the link between economic and political liberalism and political democracy. He traces the development of liberalism and democracy in a host of countries around the world and then turns to questions about the functioning of democracy in America, ultimately challenging some of our assumptions about democracy always being the best form of government. M.L.C. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169631302
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	06/25/2005
Edition description:	Unabridged

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