Counter-Democracy
Politics in an Age of Distrust

The latest contribution to one of the most distinguished and important series in political thought in the world.

Pierre Rosanvallon (Author), Arthur Goldhammer (Author)

9780521886222, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 November 2008

350 pages
22.3 x 14.3 x 2 cm, 0.58 kg

'… very refreshing and innovative …' Political Studies Review

Democracy is established as a generally uncontested ideal, while regimes inspired by this form of government fall under constant criticism. Hence, the steady erosion of confidence in representatives that has become one of the major political issues of our time. Amidst these challenges, the paradox remains that while citizens are less likely to make the trip to the ballot box, the world is far from entering a phase of general political apathy. Demonstrations and activism abound in the streets, in cities across the globe and on the internet. Pierre Rosanvallon analyses the mechanisms used to register a citizen's expression of confidence or distrust, and then focuses on the role that distrust plays in democracy from both a historical and theoretical perspective. This radical shift in perspective uncovers a series of practices - surveillance, prevention, and judgement - through which society corrects and exerts pressure.

Preface
Introduction
Part I. Overseeing Democracy: 1. Vigilance, denunciation, evaluation
2. The overseers
3. The thread of history
4. Legitimacy conflicts
Part II. The Sovereignty of Prevention: 5. From the right of resistance to complex sovereignty
6. Self-critical democracies
7. Negative politics
Part III. The People as Judge: 8. Historical references
9. Almost legislators
10. The preference for judgement
Part IV. Unpolitical Democracy: 11. The sense of powerlessness and symbols of depoliticization
12. The populist temptation
13. Lessons of unpolitical economy
14. Conclusion: the modern mixed regime.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Social theory [JHBA]