Introduction; 1. Studying democratic innovations: an analytical framework; 2. Popular assemblies: from New England town meetings to participatory budgeting; 3. Mini-publics: assemblies by random selection; 4. Direct legislation: direct democracy through the ballot box; 5. E-democracy: the promise of information and communication technology; 6. Realising the goods of democratic institutions; Conclusion.
This book examines democratic innovations from around the world, drawing lessons for the future development of both democratic theory and practice.
Graham Smith is Professor of Politics in the Centre for Citizenship and Democracy at the University of Southampton.
'Democratic Innovations explains why we should not be satisfied
with our received institutions of representative government. Deftly
navigating this rapidly evolving field, Graham Smith shows how
democratic methods such as citizen assemblies, direct legislation,
and electronic participation can deepen the quality of democracy
all over the world.' Archon Fung, John F. Kennedy School of
Government, Harvard University
'With its genuine clarity and innovative blend of cases and theory,
Smith's new book is set to become a key source for all those
seeking ways to re-engage citizens in democratic politics.' Michael
Saward, The Open University
'A systematic and fine-grained assessment of new forms of
democracy. Smith provides a smart, jargon-free, and comprehensive
understanding of the potentials and challenges of new democratic
practices. A stellar contribution to an exciting new approach to
democratic theory and practice.' Mark E. Warren, University of
British Columbia
'For each chapter we get a helpful broad-brush introduction which
will please newcomers and students alike, followed by attention to
at least one well documented case with material from other cases
drawn upon as judged appropriate.' Celia Davies, Sociology
'Resurgence and reappraisal of democracies and democratic ideals in
the 21st century has surely received its due share of academic
attention. However, growing discontent with the existing forms and
practices of representative democracy has facilitated the emergence
and revival of ideas of deliberative and direct democracy. As a
critical examination of the existing practices of 'democratic
innovations', Graham Smith's book is a systematic and coherent
collection of previously disengaged thoughts, practices and
criticisms that were under-analyzed in the literature. Moreover, as
a unique amalgam of democratic theory and new practices, it is the
first comprehensive study of the different forms of democratic
innovations.' CEU Political Science Journal
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