Seven Myths about Democracy

1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-25327-3
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 152 Seiten, Format (B × H): 138 mm x 216 mm

Reihe: Democratization and Autocratization Studies

This timely book challenges seven widespread misconceptions about democracy that continue to shape public and academic debates about its past, present, and future.

Drawing on historical evidence, comparative research, and case illustrations, it demonstrates that commonly repeated claims—such as that democracy cannot be defined, that it was born in ancient Athens, that it is only for Western countries, that it is ineffective, or that it is in terminal decline—rest on shaky foundations. In a clear, accessible, and research-based style, the authors show how these myths distort our understanding of democracy and exaggerate its vulnerabilities – challenging doomsday accounts of democracy to offer a more balanced, historically informed perspective. While not ignoring real challenges such as populism, polarization, and authoritarian pushback, the book emphasizes that democracy’s core promise—the peaceful transfer of power through elections—remains unmatched as a tool to secure peace, freedom, and progress. It is thus both a myth-buster and a treatise in defence of democracy.

This book is of key interest to scholars and students of democracy, and more broadly, to readers interested in international relations, comparative politics, and history.

Zielgruppe

Academic, General, Postgraduate, and Undergraduate Advanced

Autoren/Hrsg.

Møller, Jørgen

Skaaning, Svend-Erik

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Demokratie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction: Myths about democracy  1. Myth 1: Democracy cannot be defined  2. Myth 2: Democracy has been in grave decline for decades  3. Myth 3: Democracy originated in ancient Athens  4. Myth 4: Democracy is incompatible with major religions  5. Myth 5: Democracy is only for Western countries  6. Myth 6: Democracy is ineffective  7. Myth 7: Democracy’s interwar history repeats itself.  Conclusions: A call for moderation and consistent commitment

Über Autor(innen)

Jørgen Møller is Professor of Political Science at Aarhus University, Denmark.

Svend-Erik Skaaning is Professor of Political Science at Aarhus University, Denmark.