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After The Revolution: Lessons From Local Government On Designing A Dynamic Democracy
Local government is broken. But Clive Stevens knows how to fix it. Stevens combines a lifetime of skills drawn from business, academia, local activism, parenting and politics to present a forensic, engaging analysis as to how and why political decisions are made. After spending five years as a Bristol City Councillor, he lifts the lid off local and national democracy and discovers some golden nuggets and rotten apples to help guide voters, activists and policy makers. After The Revolution is the result of this study and details Stevens' use of the term 'The Mathematics Of Power' in precise detail to explain how politics works and democracy doesn't. It's an amusing and yet sad, ground-breaking and meticulous study of how we can both rescue our democracy and increase the country's wealth.
424 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2020
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Clive Stevens
4 books2 followersOne of my passions is to improve things; I’d have been an engineer or a doctor if I had been good enough and could stand the sight of blood. So I have to make do with stories about my experiences in life, politics, business and university.
The latest story, an e-book novella, is just 50 pages. It looks at the NHS from the perspective of a heart attack victim (me) who has survived and was then driven mad by aspects of NHS bureaucracy. I emerge transformed but hopefully not as Kafka’s insect. Proceeds go to charity.
The previous book, After the Revolution, is a paperback. It documents five years' experience as a Green Party Councillor in Bristol (one of the few places lots of people vote Green?). It is split into nearly a hundred short stories, some sad, some angry, many dysfunctional and a few happy. I point out what can be learned about the broken parts of Government; how it can hurt us and in some cases I explain what needs to be done.
My life has taken many twists and turns: I am currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Bristol. The subject is Public Policy; specifically looking at fairness and its importance in Council policy and decision making. Maybe another book will emerge...There are plenty of stories already.
The latest story, an e-book novella, is just 50 pages. It looks at the NHS from the perspective of a heart attack victim (me) who has survived and was then driven mad by aspects of NHS bureaucracy. I emerge transformed but hopefully not as Kafka’s insect. Proceeds go to charity.
The previous book, After the Revolution, is a paperback. It documents five years' experience as a Green Party Councillor in Bristol (one of the few places lots of people vote Green?). It is split into nearly a hundred short stories, some sad, some angry, many dysfunctional and a few happy. I point out what can be learned about the broken parts of Government; how it can hurt us and in some cases I explain what needs to be done.
My life has taken many twists and turns: I am currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Bristol. The subject is Public Policy; specifically looking at fairness and its importance in Council policy and decision making. Maybe another book will emerge...There are plenty of stories already.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 10, 2022
This is not a book about the next revolution, confesses the author. He writes about real life, about real challenges.
Mr Stevens is funny – even from the acknowledgements; interacts with the reader (‘so, get to the point’, I hear you say), and he asks me, the reader, who enjoys the word adventures of Joyce or Woolf, not to focus on ‘the quality of his writing’.
As a human being bordering OCD, I liked the organizational structure of the book – short chapters which comprise a theme (section) which, at the end, illustrates the learning point.
I don’t follow politics (except maybe Coldplay’s song), and I am trying to have as little to do with administrative matters as possible. Then, why am I reading Mr Stevens’ book? Because even the dreamers of the world should have an idea of what’s going on with the things they are not interested in, but might impact them one way or another.
Entrepreneurshit – playing with words, that I like! And I told you Mr Stevens was funny!
Another thing I could resonate with were his diary clips. I myself wrote a full novel from diary clips. Maybe I publish it someday…
I’ll speak again from the point of view of the dreamer who sees politics as Japanese kanji – and by ‘sees’ I mean ‘understands’. But I do understand emotions, and trust is an important one (Chapter B6, in Section ‘Why is Democracy important’). Trust is an important and most of the time mandatory emotion, and Mr. Stevens discovered that ‘it’s not the people, it’s the structure’; or the lack of access to meetings or information. And one can see the analogy with trust in romantic relationships, right?
Incompetence. No compromise agreements. Wrong recruitment decisions. Politics. A little depressing.
But…. It can be approachable for people not interested in politics by mentioning, every now and then, things that make them click. ‘So Klonowskigate has nearly been shut but the battle continues. JRR Tolkien would have loved this as a sequel to Return of the King. Middle Earth is saved but real earth or Bristol at least, descends into a cloud of opaqueness. The battle for openness and transparency begins’… Politics and its hope.
The TAKEAWAYS are summaries of a specific section which help clarify and put things in a better perspective. Or simply comfort the reader that what they have read in that section is correct.
Section names are written in white, bold, capital letters and prepare the reader for what follows – some 60, 150 pages reading on the topic. Have you ever wondered, you, dreamers and poets, why democracy is important (Section B, page 43 – 88)? Maybe it would be good you understand the answer to this question (why some writers had to flee their countries so that they can write their truth could be another way to understand this, but I would go for Mr. Stevens book).
There are a lot of footnotes. And these are worth-to-read footnotes! I promise. Do you know what does it mean ‘to put in a representation’ into a Licensing Review? I didn’t! You never know when it can come handy (page 104, footnote 19).
AFTER THE REVOLUTION is a useful book. Not like my review, I have to admit. But I hope I managed to convince even the sceptic ones to give it a try.
Mr Stevens is funny – even from the acknowledgements; interacts with the reader (‘so, get to the point’, I hear you say), and he asks me, the reader, who enjoys the word adventures of Joyce or Woolf, not to focus on ‘the quality of his writing’.
As a human being bordering OCD, I liked the organizational structure of the book – short chapters which comprise a theme (section) which, at the end, illustrates the learning point.
I don’t follow politics (except maybe Coldplay’s song), and I am trying to have as little to do with administrative matters as possible. Then, why am I reading Mr Stevens’ book? Because even the dreamers of the world should have an idea of what’s going on with the things they are not interested in, but might impact them one way or another.
Entrepreneurshit – playing with words, that I like! And I told you Mr Stevens was funny!
Another thing I could resonate with were his diary clips. I myself wrote a full novel from diary clips. Maybe I publish it someday…
I’ll speak again from the point of view of the dreamer who sees politics as Japanese kanji – and by ‘sees’ I mean ‘understands’. But I do understand emotions, and trust is an important one (Chapter B6, in Section ‘Why is Democracy important’). Trust is an important and most of the time mandatory emotion, and Mr. Stevens discovered that ‘it’s not the people, it’s the structure’; or the lack of access to meetings or information. And one can see the analogy with trust in romantic relationships, right?
Incompetence. No compromise agreements. Wrong recruitment decisions. Politics. A little depressing.
But…. It can be approachable for people not interested in politics by mentioning, every now and then, things that make them click. ‘So Klonowskigate has nearly been shut but the battle continues. JRR Tolkien would have loved this as a sequel to Return of the King. Middle Earth is saved but real earth or Bristol at least, descends into a cloud of opaqueness. The battle for openness and transparency begins’… Politics and its hope.
The TAKEAWAYS are summaries of a specific section which help clarify and put things in a better perspective. Or simply comfort the reader that what they have read in that section is correct.
Section names are written in white, bold, capital letters and prepare the reader for what follows – some 60, 150 pages reading on the topic. Have you ever wondered, you, dreamers and poets, why democracy is important (Section B, page 43 – 88)? Maybe it would be good you understand the answer to this question (why some writers had to flee their countries so that they can write their truth could be another way to understand this, but I would go for Mr. Stevens book).
There are a lot of footnotes. And these are worth-to-read footnotes! I promise. Do you know what does it mean ‘to put in a representation’ into a Licensing Review? I didn’t! You never know when it can come handy (page 104, footnote 19).
AFTER THE REVOLUTION is a useful book. Not like my review, I have to admit. But I hope I managed to convince even the sceptic ones to give it a try.
November 30, 2021
A physical copy of this book was gifted in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Very insightful!
I found this book very endearing. Clive really challenges the current model of government and incites one to question its usefulness. His experience coupled with the wide range of research he has conducted around a copious amount of issues, makes for an interesting read.
Centred around past and current political structure of government and the need for demolition and restructure. I agree with a lot of Clive's points, it's highly arguable that the current system is archaic in a way that does nothing to serve our ever evolving society.
Very good point about how democratic our current society in the UK is with the drastic fall in voter turnout. If majority of voters aren't turning up then its arguable that the democratic model fails since its so high strung on the principle of majority rules.
Great ideas around social care reform, will recommend this book to my fellow law graduates.
Keep it up, Clive!
Very insightful!
I found this book very endearing. Clive really challenges the current model of government and incites one to question its usefulness. His experience coupled with the wide range of research he has conducted around a copious amount of issues, makes for an interesting read.
Centred around past and current political structure of government and the need for demolition and restructure. I agree with a lot of Clive's points, it's highly arguable that the current system is archaic in a way that does nothing to serve our ever evolving society.
Very good point about how democratic our current society in the UK is with the drastic fall in voter turnout. If majority of voters aren't turning up then its arguable that the democratic model fails since its so high strung on the principle of majority rules.
Great ideas around social care reform, will recommend this book to my fellow law graduates.
Keep it up, Clive!
September 7, 2021
Thanks to the author and Book Tasters for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"After the Revolution" takes us on a journey through the eyes of a local councillor. Written in a chirpy, confident tone, this book highlights the highs and lows of working in Local Government and 'how things work,' the limitations and possibilities of Local Governments and a few scandalous scenarios thrown in for good measure. Clive's narratives reflect on his experiences on navigating the system blended in with his philosophy. The style of the book makes it an engaging, thought provoking read that captures attention and identifies the flaws in local policies that can be learnt from.
A must read for any prospective councillors out there or those interested in what really goes on behind closed doors of our local governments.
"After the Revolution" takes us on a journey through the eyes of a local councillor. Written in a chirpy, confident tone, this book highlights the highs and lows of working in Local Government and 'how things work,' the limitations and possibilities of Local Governments and a few scandalous scenarios thrown in for good measure. Clive's narratives reflect on his experiences on navigating the system blended in with his philosophy. The style of the book makes it an engaging, thought provoking read that captures attention and identifies the flaws in local policies that can be learnt from.
A must read for any prospective councillors out there or those interested in what really goes on behind closed doors of our local governments.
October 23, 2021
Clive Stevens' After The Revolution: Lessons from Local Government on Designing a Dynamic Democracy is a must read for anyone interested in Politics and Economics.
Currently this book can be purchased from Tangent Books and receive a 10% discount using the code: Clive10
https://www.tangentbooks.co.uk/shop/p...
The book addresses key questions on:
-the importance of democracy?
-how to get economy to benefit all?
-what is fairness in relation to public policy and expenditure?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learnt a great deal from Clive's experience as a Bristol Councillor where he talks about the unfairness that exists in society. He is encouraging all to take an interest, as politics affects everyone, and we can all do our bit to help create a fairer society.
Currently this book can be purchased from Tangent Books and receive a 10% discount using the code: Clive10
https://www.tangentbooks.co.uk/shop/p...
The book addresses key questions on:
-the importance of democracy?
-how to get economy to benefit all?
-what is fairness in relation to public policy and expenditure?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learnt a great deal from Clive's experience as a Bristol Councillor where he talks about the unfairness that exists in society. He is encouraging all to take an interest, as politics affects everyone, and we can all do our bit to help create a fairer society.
September 21, 2021
A well written book.
First, I would like to apologise to Clive for making him go through the trouble of waiting for me to come back from my vacation. He is indeed a very patient author.
Even though I am not into political books, i have to say 'After the Revolution ' is an eye opener,very interesting and educational read. Clive beautifully took us through an engaging, fascinating, and informative account of what goes on in a local government and the footraces they face.
This book has also captured in extensive details the difficulty of ratifying changes, how political decisions are made, the highs and lows of working in a local government and what goes on behind closed doors.
Highly recommended to every one.
Thanks so much for sharing Clive....keep writing ✍ 🙏📚
First, I would like to apologise to Clive for making him go through the trouble of waiting for me to come back from my vacation. He is indeed a very patient author.
Even though I am not into political books, i have to say 'After the Revolution ' is an eye opener,very interesting and educational read. Clive beautifully took us through an engaging, fascinating, and informative account of what goes on in a local government and the footraces they face.
This book has also captured in extensive details the difficulty of ratifying changes, how political decisions are made, the highs and lows of working in a local government and what goes on behind closed doors.
Highly recommended to every one.
Thanks so much for sharing Clive....keep writing ✍ 🙏📚
October 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this read and learnt so much about how local government works and why it is there. Although not a Green Party supporter I agreed with many of the issues and points raised in this book especially his ideas around social care reform which I think are needed more than ever. Coming from a family where we cared for my Grandmother at home but had to put my uncle in a home I have seen first hand how both of these environments work and at home is always better where possible but that also takes more help and money which I know is not easy. It was also clear from this book how much we really need to start working across the country in a more consistent manner and not do things differently depending on your postcode. Fascinating read and I think I want to be a fairness warrior too!
October 27, 2021
I’d like to both thank Clive Stevens and booktasters for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an a honest review. As an aside I’d like to apologise to Clive for the length of time it’s taken to get this review up, and for his unending patience and kindness on having to send me two copies.
To begin I’m not a supporter of the Green Party, I certainly have no dislike or disdain I just never felt persuaded to give them my vote. However I know what my morals are, and found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with much of the book.
I learned so much reading this book, I knew the changes that are required of a society broken, but I lacked the inside knowledge of striving and fighting and building the future you want to see. I feel inspired to be a warrior too. Clive is a gem!
To begin I’m not a supporter of the Green Party, I certainly have no dislike or disdain I just never felt persuaded to give them my vote. However I know what my morals are, and found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with much of the book.
I learned so much reading this book, I knew the changes that are required of a society broken, but I lacked the inside knowledge of striving and fighting and building the future you want to see. I feel inspired to be a warrior too. Clive is a gem!
July 16, 2023
This was a a very interesting read that exposed the runnings of local government that I had no real experience or understanding of prior to reading. Although it's based in a city I've never lived in, it was interesting to read about the author's real life experiences in getting into local government and frustrations and recommendations for improving the system. I particularly liked reading about the recommendations for making the role better and more accessible for people with disabilities as that's one (of many) ways we're lacking in diversity in politics at the moment.
June 14, 2023
I'm the author. I wrote this in 2020. The result, some sales and discussions. For me I got out of local politics and into academia (I'm doing a PhD in Public Policy). The book is a great insight into major issues that most voters/public don't realise.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews