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Democracy On Trial

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Jean Elshtain is Spellman Professor of Philosophy and Political Ethics at The University of Chicago. Her book presents a history of views on democracy in contemporary and prior times. One of the most interesting examples of this feature of the book is her theater debate between Plato and Lincoln. Drawing on her knowledge of Plato and Lincoln, Elshtain pits Plato's argument against democracy against Lincoln's argument for it. Lincoln was committed to the peoples' capacities to make decisions necessary for a democracy to function, even where other approaches might be more efficient for choosing a path to follow. Elshtain also makes the case for compromising, behavior that is necessary to a form of governance in which citizens of diverse viewpoints must reconcile differences to make government work for the society. The book is very timely. It puts a large perspective about the recently concluded election in which President Clinton's advocates argued that he is a genius at compromisae, and his opponents stated that he vascilates too much.

Jean Elshtain's concerns and critiques of present social problems are stunningly (and chillingly) accurate. Even five years after its initial publication, the power remains. Though I hope the recent protests in Seattle and Quebec forecast an end to the civic culture of "exhaustion" about which Elshtain speaks (and Nirvana sings), the danger always lurks. The ultimate message is clear: We can never afford to be cavalier about the protection of our democratic institutions. Elshtain closes the book by posing a problem: "Democracy is an unpredictable enterprise. Our patience with its ups and downs, its debates and compromises, its very antiauthoritarianism, may wane as we become inured to more and more control---all in the name of freedom. We must be on guard. Do we care about the world enough to stay thus engaged?" All who answer "yes" should thus engage Elshtain.

Throughout her book, Elshtain is letting her communitarian viewpoint shine through. She wants to revive our sense of responsibility and rid our nation of its cynicism and lack of faith in politics. Democracy to her is a civic good. It is an everyday demeanor citizens portray as they work towards improving their communities, their cities, and the nation as a whole. "Think global, act local" would be an accurate representation of this ideology. Elshtain is crying out to the citizen at the heart of all of us to get involved, not allow the government to worsen the problem, and show some responsibility and inform ourselves. Her book is a locker room pep talk, trying to fire up the troops for battle again.

Undeniably well researched, thought out, considered, and at times extremely thought- provoking. I also understand this author is well above me in terms of education and brilliance. I will not deny that by any means. HOWEVER... The language in the book is written in such vocabulary as to steal away most of the impact of the book. I would quote an example, though I am not sure it that is appropriate here so I will not. Endless sentences mixing in with the vocabulary make it a major struggle to get through. If language is not a barrier to you, then I will recommend this book, but for the casual reader, the typical university student, or the typical teacher, I must say it will be a very difficult read.