Is Democracy Failing?

The Big Idea

by Niheer Dasandi

This captivating entry in the "Big Idea" series explores the history of democracy, as well as its evolution and viability moving forward.  Only four countries around the world do not currently define themselves as democracies. However, many more do not fulfill the four basic requirements of free and fair elections, active participation of citizens in politics, protection of human rights, and the rule of law. Recently, far-right and populist politicians have been on the rise throughout the West. Is populism the new face of democracy? Is democracy simply the will of the people? Can any existing government claim to be truly democratic? In Is Democracy Failing? , writer Niheer Dasandi, an expert in government and political science, investigates these questions with careful consideration. This captivating, articulate volume in the “Big Idea” series explores the state of democracy today and whether it remains a viable form of government.  c. 150 illustrations

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2018

Reviews

[Shafa Mazaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, i’ll start by pointing out what i like about this book.
- i like that this book offers you with great visual like pictures, the texts, etc. Because from that, it made this book became more interesting in my opinion.
- There’s a description of figures, political definitions, events, etc. So if you’re not a political or social sciences student, you’ll find this very helpful to understand it.

Next, what i don’t really like about this book
- As a political science student and a 3rd year right now… when i bought this book i expect the material to be more complex. Like more data about why is it right now the democracy is tended to be more authoritarian for example, and many more. well i expect it to offers more data instead this book is a bit too basic for me because most of the content in this book i already learned it during my classes so nothing really new…
- The conclusion is a bit too cliché? I mean okay i get it that our democracy is failing right now but from the conclusion there’s no data or strong argument about what can we do right now… or what can we learn from it…


Overall if you’re not a polsci or sosci student and want to learn the basic of democracy also if you want to get a slight insight of democracy from the scratch, how democracy right now and and why is it failing… i guess this book is right for you😌

[Tejus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a biased review at all!!

This book starts by giving a brief but well explained account of the evolution of democracy, before turning to the main subject of whether the political (and social) concept of democracy is failing.
The text is very well written and the images to go along with the text have been suitably selected.
It is an easy read for what is quite an intricate question.

[Ville Kokko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really nice, well-informed and wise introduction to the basics - even to someone like myself who's not just starting out but has been reading about this stuff at a bit higher level, it was a good recap and gap-filler. I eventually grew to like the weird nonlinear was the text was arranged too, with a lot of it being in image captions and term/name explanations; as a gut-feeling-based guess, it might have fostered deeper cognitive engagement.

[Gill Mclauchlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book on what is quite a complex concept. Well written, graphics etc all supported it being a great read

[Laura Cristina Vásquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Ideas series is excellent if you want to tackle big, complex topics without feeling overwhelmed. The way they design these books - using smart font choices, clear layouts, and amazing photography - is a brilliant communication tool that makes absorbing information feel effortless. Whether you know a lot about the subject or almost nothing, these books are worth picking up. If you're already familiar with the topic, they offer a solid recap; if you're new to it, they provide an excellent introduction, with plenty of suggestions for what to read or watch next. They don't dive too deep into any one subject, but that's part of what makes them perfect for getting a clear, big-picture understanding without getting bogged down.

I gave this one 4 stars instead of 5 because I wish it had been a little more global in its approach, or had explained in more depth the non-European and non-U.S. examples it does include. I'd love to see an updated edition that reflects the current state of democracy with everything happening globally right now.

[Jennifer P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half is interesting, laying out the foundations of how democracy came to be and spread through out the world. But the second half of the book really instills a feeling of hopelessness. As a citizen of the US, I can truthfully say that we feel disengaged from politics because the news is a constant bombardment, because our government can't seem to pass any legislation in the interest of the people, and because corporate interests are deeply engrained in nearly all of not all levels of our government. It really seems as if our votes don't matter, but I'll keep voting because there has to be a sliver of hope somewhere.

[Sal Leggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would reread this. A lot of it I knew already, but the information is well-presented and important. It does not go as deep as it could, like all the titles in this series, but it wasn't written for graduate students. It's a good beginning if you are interested in this subject. I am very saddened that since the 1990's, democracy has been in retreat. Back then, communism ended, apartheid ended, all the Latin American dictators were swept away, but unfortunatelym 90's are over, and things are headed back in the wrong direction again.

[Sekaringtias · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a perfect starter for those of you who want a brush of what democracy is, history, challenges, current condition and whatnot. But, no, it will not bring you deep analysis or rich points of views. Despite its very engaging title, the content that actually discuss the notion of failing democracy is only a chapter long. So.. a friendly airport read, enough for you to get by for a cocktail convo, but if you're already familiar with democracy and equipped with global-news day to day, you can leave it.

[Rizki Febriani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The answer to this question based on what is written in the book: "perhaps too soon to talk of democracy failing."

The book talks about the brief history of democracy in the world and its challenges. However, to answer the question posed on the title of the books, I feel like it was case by case. On a global scale, democracy as system might not be failed. Nevertheles, in some country the stated of the democracy is decreasing.

Still a good read, especially because it has huge font and many pictures and illustration. It does not delve deeper though.

[Firat Fidan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dünyada sadece 4 ülke demokrasi dışı yönetilmesine rağmen her ülkenin demokratik yönetim anlayışının farklı olmasını, gerçek demokrasinin sadece sandıkta verilen oy olmadığını ve global krizler sonrasında yaşanan “otokratik demokrasi” sistemlerini anlatan çok güzel bir referans kitabı. Aynı zamanda demokrasinin tarihsel gelişimini ve gelecekteki olası senaryoları en yalın haliyle de anlatan yazar, kendi önerilerini de sunarken okuyucuyu düşündürüyor. Ülkemizin uyguladığı demokrasiye de değinen bu kitabı demokrasiye ilginiz varsa mutlaka okuyun.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for people interested in big questions. The concepts are introduced in an accesible way. The author does a very good job taking the reader through complex, abstract and at times, controversial issues related to democracy. It shows the author's excellent command of the academic literature and his commitment to make it accessible to the public.

[Louison · Rating 4 out of 5]

the layout of this book makes is a joy to read. the chapter of how democracy works was kind of unnecessary to me, because i understand politics, but might be interesting for others. overall a great quick read

[Nick Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely one of my favourite books for an area I was searching for an introduction to. As a doctor, enjoyed the clear structure, and the way it helped me quickly come to terms with an otherwise complex issue.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of a complicated subject. Interesting commentary about the wide range of concepts that come together to make the democratic process and the economic and social structures that support the everyday functionality of democracy. It’s way more complex than you think, yes even you.

[June Yu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a good primer for students and people who want a good overview of the issues related to this question. Also, the way it's laid out with sidebars and chunks of text make it an easy read.

[Dennis Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to explain democracy. A must-read to face the rise of populism and for the polarized world.

[Zuzana Be · Rating 4 out of 5]

doplním neskôr.

[Maximilian Brockmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

[Marek Wójtowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krásná a bohatá fotografická a obrázková příloha. Jednoduché, stručné. Plno příkladů s vysvětlivkami. Kniha může sloužit taky jako rozcestník na téma demokracie.

[Mahmoud Hasssn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the author updates the book after trump winning again in 2024. Is democracy failing?

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

feels very disingenuous and lacking passion - there’s no fight here, would go as far to say it’s possibly AI as this feels person less

[Šárka Joštová · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pokračování knih faktu. Jednou jsem se rozhodla zaměřit se na knihy faktu, které nejsou o seberozvoji. A nelituji toho. Politika mě minulý rok začala bavit, takový koníček, na který nemám moc času, ale nějaký se najde že jo.
Kniha Selhala demokracie? nestojí an jedné straně odpovědi (ano či ne). Je rozdělena do pěti částí, kde nám autor popisuje vývoj demokracie, fungování demokracie, omezení demokracie a obtížné úkoly pro demokracii a posdní částí je závěr.
Musí říci, že nejtěžší část byla vývoj demokracie, kde jsem strávila přes týden snad. A moc jsem tuto část nechápala (až později jsem pochopila proč). Ale zbylé části Dasandi nádherně popsal něco, co nemá vlastní definici a co je v každém stát tak rozdílný, že udělat přehlednou knihu musela být obtížná zkouška.
Nadruhou stran musím znat, že mě kniha chvilkami nebavila. Nejspíš proto, že po deseti minutách čtení byl můj mozek přeplněný tolika informacemi, že jich tolik nezískám ani ve škole po celém jednom dni.
Celkové sjednocení: Je důležeté vědět, že to, co bere naše generace jako samozdřejmostí, není samozdřejmostí všude. A že v každém státě funguje demokracie jinak, někde i dokonce nesplnuje “podmínky” demokracie. Též se mi líbil popis demokracie (od fngování po problémy) a srovnání různých velmocí světa. Autor popsal, kdy demokracie funguje správně a kdy špatně + jak zajistit, že demokracie neupadne jako jiné režimy a zůstane dále. To je od roku 2008 po krizi velká otázka. Jak dlouho demokracie přežije? A odpověď je jednoduchá. Zdravá demokracie přežije tak dlouho, jak se o to lidé budou snažit. Budou chodit volit, zajímat se o stát....
Za zdlouhavé někdy i zbytečné pro mě vysvětlování, odebírám 1*. A i když tato kniha nebude asi bavit všechny, každý, kdo žije v demokracii by si ji měl přečíst.

P.S.: Někdy opravím chyby v textuu. Dnes ne :D

[Nabila Cyrilla Imani (bookcabinets) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This type of book is very rare and I am delighted that I stumbled upon this. It's a mix of graphic design and political sciences books, both of which I learned back then in the university. The book starts with a thorough definition and then analyzes democracy in many parts of the world. The author is very well-researched to answer the question in the title: why the concept of democracy is failing. Every graphic and image in this book are also researched and fitted perfectly with the issue discussed in the chapter. And the layout makes it very easy to read, with extra information for someone with no background to political sciences. I will re-read it again in the future for references (in politics or graphic design).
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