What Is Democracy?

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book What Is Democracy? by Alain Touraine, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alain Touraine ISBN: 9780429982743
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 7, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Alain Touraine
ISBN: 9780429982743
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 7, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In this sequel to A Critique of Modernity, Alain Touraine questions the social and cultural content of democracy today. At a time when state power is being increasingly eroded by the economic might of transnational capital, what possible value can we ascribe to a democratic idea that is defined merely as a set of guarantees against the totalitarian state?If democracy is to survive in the postcommunist world, Touraine argues, it must accomplish two urgent goals: It must somehow protect the power of the nation-state at the same time as it limits that power (for only the state has sufficient means to counterbalance the global corporate wielders of money and information); and it must reconcile social diversity with social unity and individual liberty with integration.This is not merely a philosophical problem but a dilemma whose resolution will dramatically affect the immediate future of people everywhere. If we want a resolution in democracy's favor, then it is time, in Touraine's view, for us to redefine democracy in terms of active intervention rather than mere passive institution. To preserve the power and effectiveness of our states and societies, we must make visible strides?and soon?away from a politics of particularity and toward the integration and balancing of women and minorities, of immigrants, of rich and poor. If our states become too weakened, too debased by the politics of competing identities and interest groups, we will one day find ourselves without the means to protect the very values we believe we are fighting to uphold.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this sequel to A Critique of Modernity, Alain Touraine questions the social and cultural content of democracy today. At a time when state power is being increasingly eroded by the economic might of transnational capital, what possible value can we ascribe to a democratic idea that is defined merely as a set of guarantees against the totalitarian state?If democracy is to survive in the postcommunist world, Touraine argues, it must accomplish two urgent goals: It must somehow protect the power of the nation-state at the same time as it limits that power (for only the state has sufficient means to counterbalance the global corporate wielders of money and information); and it must reconcile social diversity with social unity and individual liberty with integration.This is not merely a philosophical problem but a dilemma whose resolution will dramatically affect the immediate future of people everywhere. If we want a resolution in democracy's favor, then it is time, in Touraine's view, for us to redefine democracy in terms of active intervention rather than mere passive institution. To preserve the power and effectiveness of our states and societies, we must make visible strides?and soon?away from a politics of particularity and toward the integration and balancing of women and minorities, of immigrants, of rich and poor. If our states become too weakened, too debased by the politics of competing identities and interest groups, we will one day find ourselves without the means to protect the very values we believe we are fighting to uphold.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Coping Better With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Epistemic Liberalism by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Seven Simple Secrets by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book China Turns to Multilateralism by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Cuba's Second Economy by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Assessing the Balance of Power in Central-Local Relations in China by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book The Pluralist Theory of the State by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Altruism, Narcissism, Comity by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book The Discourses of Capitalism by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book An Accident of Hope by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Tourism, Diasporas and Space by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Child Security in Asia by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book The Therapist's Notebook, Volume 2 by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Jung's Answer to Job by Alain Touraine
Cover of the book Communication Yearbook 35 by Alain Touraine
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy