Hyperdemocracy [Hardcover]

This book argues that a well-educated citizenry and freer flow of information has contributed to a state of "hyperdemocracy" which impedes itself. This book applies the idea of 'reflexive modernization' to democratic theory, setting out a new perspective on the challenges democracy faces.1. Introduction: Hyperdemocracy, the Cognitive Dimension of Democracy, and Democratic Theory 2. The Cognitive Dimension of Democracy from Plato to Mill 3. Constitutive Theory: Competition, Polyarchy and the Cognitive Dimension of Democracy 4. Causal Theory: Progressive and Skeptical Strands of Modernization Theory 5. Cognitive Mobilization and Reflexive Modernization: Deriving the Theory of Hyperdemocracy 6. The Decline of Democracy: Social Capital and Post-Democracy versus Hyperdemocracy 7. The Revival of Democracy: Deliberative Democracy and Postmodern Democracy versus Hyperdemocracy 8. Symptoms of Hyperdemocracy (I): Science and Expertise 9. Symptoms of Hyperdemocracy (II): The Media 10. Conclusion: The Place and the Trajectory of Hyperdemocracy

Praise to come.

Stephen Welch is Lecturer in Politics at the School of Government and International Affairs, Durham University, UK. He is the author of The Concept of Political Culture and The Theory of Political Culture, as well as various articles and chapters on political culture, political scandal, and aspects of American politics.