What do you think?
The Next Democracy: Reimagining How We Govern Ourselves Through the Power of Data and Markets
Explore why we feel stuck with our democracies, and radical new visions for governing ourselves and the planet
In The Next Democracy, social entrepreneur and Founder of Donkey Republic, Erdem Ovacik, delivers a startlingly insightful discussion of a new collective governance model based on markets and data that can improve our wellbeing as individuals, and as a society.
The author explains how we can develop the next generation of government that is data-driven, iterative, transparent, and that we decentrally and directly make laws online using prediction markets and delegative voting.
Using same principles of data and market, the author also explores delivery of public goods, where we link products and services' externalities to measurable metrics we care collectively care about altering business models, and removing the dichotomy consumerism and public service.
You'll explore how we can assign real value to our public goods, changing the way we think about valuation and budgets for public spending. Filled with case studies, illustrations, new governance models and frameworks, and key takeaways and summaries of each chapter, you'll also
A comprehensive explainer of the challenges caused by a collective inability to protect and deliver public goods Discussions of how to develop transparent, decentralized institutions that align private and collective interests to deliver public goods using markets and data An exploration of “Merit Democracy,” a radically new form of democracy Perfect for citizens who seek fresh visions for democracy, and young professionals and impact entrepreneurs who want to work towards creating impact. The Next Democracy is also a must-read for those who seek change through their investments to see the role they can play for a clear vision for a world we can all happily live in.
In The Next Democracy, social entrepreneur and Founder of Donkey Republic, Erdem Ovacik, delivers a startlingly insightful discussion of a new collective governance model based on markets and data that can improve our wellbeing as individuals, and as a society.
The author explains how we can develop the next generation of government that is data-driven, iterative, transparent, and that we decentrally and directly make laws online using prediction markets and delegative voting.
Using same principles of data and market, the author also explores delivery of public goods, where we link products and services' externalities to measurable metrics we care collectively care about altering business models, and removing the dichotomy consumerism and public service.
You'll explore how we can assign real value to our public goods, changing the way we think about valuation and budgets for public spending. Filled with case studies, illustrations, new governance models and frameworks, and key takeaways and summaries of each chapter, you'll also
A comprehensive explainer of the challenges caused by a collective inability to protect and deliver public goods Discussions of how to develop transparent, decentralized institutions that align private and collective interests to deliver public goods using markets and data An exploration of “Merit Democracy,” a radically new form of democracy Perfect for citizens who seek fresh visions for democracy, and young professionals and impact entrepreneurs who want to work towards creating impact. The Next Democracy is also a must-read for those who seek change through their investments to see the role they can play for a clear vision for a world we can all happily live in.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published June 17, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 16, 2025
This book is an optimistic tale in an age where the outlook for our democracies seems rather bleak.
First it sets out to diagnose the ills plaguing our current societies. Using both data, historical, politological and ethical arguments, Ovacik skillfully disects our challenges. However, contrary to many other books on this topic, Ovacik actually proposes a range of solutions - implementable solutions.
The real power of The Next Democracy lies in the implementablility of some of the things that Ovacik proposes. It is easy to see how much time and effort Ovacik has used to really flash out and think through what he proposes. Oftentimes I found myself identifying a flaw with his ideas, only for that same flaw to be adressed in the next chapter. That left me with a smile on my face.
I would recommend it to anyone in search of encouragement to face some challenging times for our democracies. Although the title of the book may indicate that it is a highly technical work, Ovacik often comes across as humouristic, reflects on his experiences, and merges the technical with good writing. This makes the book highly accessible to most, with no prior knowledge of say, economics, required.
First it sets out to diagnose the ills plaguing our current societies. Using both data, historical, politological and ethical arguments, Ovacik skillfully disects our challenges. However, contrary to many other books on this topic, Ovacik actually proposes a range of solutions - implementable solutions.
The real power of The Next Democracy lies in the implementablility of some of the things that Ovacik proposes. It is easy to see how much time and effort Ovacik has used to really flash out and think through what he proposes. Oftentimes I found myself identifying a flaw with his ideas, only for that same flaw to be adressed in the next chapter. That left me with a smile on my face.
I would recommend it to anyone in search of encouragement to face some challenging times for our democracies. Although the title of the book may indicate that it is a highly technical work, Ovacik often comes across as humouristic, reflects on his experiences, and merges the technical with good writing. This makes the book highly accessible to most, with no prior knowledge of say, economics, required.
September 10, 2025
The Next Democracy (https://nextdemocracy.com/) by Erdem Ovacik makes a significant contribution to advancing our societal development. It is a must-read for anyone involved in public-private partnerships and public innovation. The book is a rich toolbox filled with fresh perspectives and ideas for innovating public governance, emphasizing close interaction with both private businesses and civil society.
The core concept is to develop what Erdem calls the “Merit Democracy,” where public services are innovated using “build-measure-learn” methods, widely known in the tech startup world. In this model, companies not only pay taxes but are also financially supported when they contribute positively to society. Additionally, he proposes a voting system for all citizens to help identify the best societal solutions and legislation.
It is truly inspiring to read a comprehensive rethinking of public services and governance structures, even if not all ideas and concepts are immediately familiar. For example, the Nordic democratic tradition often emphasizes open discussions, where the process is sometimes more important than the results. After all, not everything can be measured.
The core concept is to develop what Erdem calls the “Merit Democracy,” where public services are innovated using “build-measure-learn” methods, widely known in the tech startup world. In this model, companies not only pay taxes but are also financially supported when they contribute positively to society. Additionally, he proposes a voting system for all citizens to help identify the best societal solutions and legislation.
It is truly inspiring to read a comprehensive rethinking of public services and governance structures, even if not all ideas and concepts are immediately familiar. For example, the Nordic democratic tradition often emphasizes open discussions, where the process is sometimes more important than the results. After all, not everything can be measured.
September 12, 2025
Bold, visionary, and profoundly necessary—"The Next Democracy" is a rallying cry for everyone who believes we deserve a better future. Erdem Ovacik doesn’t just diagnose what’s broken in modern democracy; he sparks real hope by offering a clear, data-powered path for reimagining how we govern ourselves.
What moved me most is the sense that Erdem genuinely cares—not only about systems and structures, but about us: ordinary people whose voices and agency are often swallowed by bureaucracy. His model isn’t just about innovation; it’s about human dignity, transparency, and unleashing collective potential through smarter, more accountable ways to tackle our toughest challenges. Erdem's arguments are urgent but optimistic, rooted in both real-world experience and a belief in what’s possible when transparency and rapid learning drive public life.
Reading this book, I honestly felt energized and hopeful.
If you’re tired of seeing slow, top-down politics miss the mark, this is the book to light a fire in you. Absolutely essential reading for change-makers everywhere.
And so many lessons to also extract for life at large, startups, corporates, NGOs.
What moved me most is the sense that Erdem genuinely cares—not only about systems and structures, but about us: ordinary people whose voices and agency are often swallowed by bureaucracy. His model isn’t just about innovation; it’s about human dignity, transparency, and unleashing collective potential through smarter, more accountable ways to tackle our toughest challenges. Erdem's arguments are urgent but optimistic, rooted in both real-world experience and a belief in what’s possible when transparency and rapid learning drive public life.
Reading this book, I honestly felt energized and hopeful.
If you’re tired of seeing slow, top-down politics miss the mark, this is the book to light a fire in you. Absolutely essential reading for change-makers everywhere.
And so many lessons to also extract for life at large, startups, corporates, NGOs.
September 24, 2025
I found Erdem Ovacik’s “The Next Democracy” an inspiring and timely book that offered me a sense of hope while I watch democracy crumble day by day.
“The Next Democracy” is a careful analysis of the problems of current democracies without leaning on partisan positions and it puts forward an innovative solution proposal.
Erdem Ovacik’s pragmatic approach cuts to the root causes of why democracy often falls short of people’s expectations and of the consequences of this failure.
Ovacik then goes on to propose a new model, innovative and has the potential to provide a solution, or at least start a discussion towards a solution. His model strips away the heavy bureaucracy and cumbersome procedures, replacing them with a more agile and inclusive system. I believe it needs careful consideration and even partial steps in the direction he proposes, would be a meaningful improvement over the current situation.
This book is a must-read for anyone who believes our democratic systems are out of step with the times and in urgent need of revision.
“The Next Democracy” is a careful analysis of the problems of current democracies without leaning on partisan positions and it puts forward an innovative solution proposal.
Erdem Ovacik’s pragmatic approach cuts to the root causes of why democracy often falls short of people’s expectations and of the consequences of this failure.
Ovacik then goes on to propose a new model, innovative and has the potential to provide a solution, or at least start a discussion towards a solution. His model strips away the heavy bureaucracy and cumbersome procedures, replacing them with a more agile and inclusive system. I believe it needs careful consideration and even partial steps in the direction he proposes, would be a meaningful improvement over the current situation.
This book is a must-read for anyone who believes our democratic systems are out of step with the times and in urgent need of revision.
September 10, 2025
A Book that Helps Rethink Democracy
The book reimagines democracy as a dynamic, data-driven system where policies can be tested and improved like products in a market. I found the ideas about using prediction markets and liquid democracy mechanisms especially interesting, since they show how governance could be more transparent and adaptive. I’d recommend it to civic tech folks, policy innovators, and anyone curious about how democracy might actually work better in the 21st century.
The book reimagines democracy as a dynamic, data-driven system where policies can be tested and improved like products in a market. I found the ideas about using prediction markets and liquid democracy mechanisms especially interesting, since they show how governance could be more transparent and adaptive. I’d recommend it to civic tech folks, policy innovators, and anyone curious about how democracy might actually work better in the 21st century.
September 11, 2025
Ovacik offers a bold, innovative and experimental approach for better public and democratic governance. Especially his proposal for citizen participation is interesting and exciting - a future where we as citizens would be more active, empowered and continuously be co-governing (and held accountable for it!). I also enjoyed his way of including personal stories in his writing. Can highly recommend this book!
September 11, 2025
The book shows a radical yet realistic way forward for democracy; validating legislations by their actual effects, killing populism and empty promises.
Creating justice and far more powerful societies, both socially and economically.
Perhaps a complex topic, but the book actually reads like a novel; intrigues and gives answers where you need them. I am not into politics, but really enjoyed this book.
Truly inspiring. For anyone who can vote.
Creating justice and far more powerful societies, both socially and economically.
Perhaps a complex topic, but the book actually reads like a novel; intrigues and gives answers where you need them. I am not into politics, but really enjoyed this book.
Truly inspiring. For anyone who can vote.
September 11, 2025
It’s about time someone proposed something new. Fresh and invigorating to read - finally some solutions instead of more books just pointing out the problems. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews