Strong Democracy: Participatory Politics for a New Age

by Benjamin R. Barber

Since its appearance twenty years ago, Benjamin R. Barber's Strong Democracy has been one of the primary standards against which political science thinking and writing is measured. Defined as the participation of all of the people in at least some aspects of self-government at least some of the time, Strong Democracy offers liberal society a new way of thinking about and of practicing democracy. Contrary to the commonly held view that an excess of democracy can undo liberal institutions, Barber argues that an excess of liberalism has undermined our democratic institutions and brought about the set of crises we still find ourselves struggling cynicism about voting, alienation, privatization, and the growing paralysis of public institutions. In a new preface Barber looks at the past twenty years and restates his argument, which seems, sadly, more pressing than ever.

362 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2004

About the author

American political theorist perhaps best known for his 1996 bestseller, Jihad vs. McWorld.

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good critiques, weaker solution.

[Justin Yeary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I fundamentally disagree with Barber's conclusions, he makes a pretty strong case as for why we need to return to a communitarian lifestyle and re-embrace democracy, and why a sense of civic duty needs to be restored in people. The first half of the book is dedicated to critquing liberal democracy, however there are many flaws in his reasoning in this part. The second part lays out the framework for his political system of "Strong Democracy". Overall it's a very interesting political read and I'd suggest it to anyone regardless of their views

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diagnosis is fine. Prescription wouldn’t treat the diagnosis. “Things will be good because they will be good.”