Democracy On Trial Edition Unstated Edition

by Jean Bethke Elshtain (Author)

3 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0465016174

ISBN-10: 0465016170

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Even as Russia and the other former Soviet republics struggle to redefine themselves in democratic terms, our own democracy if faltering, not flourishing. We confront one another as aggrieved groups rather than as free citizens. Cynicism, boredom, apathy, despair, violence—these have become coin of the civic realm. They are dark signs of the times and a warning that democracy may not be up to the task of satisfying the yearnings it unleashes—yearnings for freedom, fairness, and equality.In this timely, thought-provoking book, one of America's leading political philosophers and public intellectuals questions whether democracy will prove sufficiently robust and resilient to survive the century. Beginning with a catalogue of our discontents, Jean Bethke Elshtain asks what has gone wrong and why. She draws on examples from America and other parts of the world as she explores the politics of race, ethnicity, and gender identity—controversial, and essential, political issues of our day. Insisting that there is much to cherish in our democratic traditions, she concludes that democracy involves a permanent clash between conservatism and progressive change.Elshtain distinguishes her own position from those of both the Left and the Right, demonstrating why she has been called one of our most interesting and independent civic thinkers. Responding to critics of democracy, ancient and modern, Elshtain urges us to have the courage of our most authentic democratic convictions. We need, she insists, both hope and a sense of reality.Writing her book for citizens, not experts, Elshtain aims to open up a dialogue and to move us beyond sterile sectarian disputes. Democracy on Trial will generate wide debate and controversy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Even as Russia and the other former Soviet republics struggle to redefine themselves in democratic terms, our own democracy is faltering, not flourishing. We confront one another as aggrieved groups rather than as free citizens. Cynicism, boredom, apathy, despair, violence - these have become coin of the civic realm. They are dark signs of the times and a warning that democracy may not be up to the task of satisfying the yearnings it unleashes - yearnings for freedom, fairness, and equality. In this timely, thought-provoking book, one of America's leading political philosophers and public intellectuals questions whether democracy will prove sufficiently robust and resilient to survive the century. Beginning with a catalogue of our discontents, Jean Bethke Elshtain asks what has gone wrong and why. She draws on examples from America and other parts of the world as she explores the politics of race, ethnicity, and gender identity - controversial, and essential, political issues of our day. Insisting that there is much to cherish in our democratic traditions, she concludes that democracy involves a permanent clash between conservatism and progressive change. Elshtain distinguishes her own position from those of both the Left and the Right, demonstrating why she has been called one of our most interesting and independent civic thinkers. Responding to critics of democracy, ancient and modern, Elshtain urges us to have the courage of our most authentic democratic convictions. We need, she insists, both hope and a sense of reality. Writing her book for citizens, not experts, Elshtain aims to open up a dialogue and to move us beyond sterile sectarian disputes. Democracy on Trial is a book ofand for these times, but one that both links us to the past and looks forward to a brave democratic future, for ourselves and our posterity. Written in what one critic has called "Elshtain's bold, idiosyncratic style", this book cannot be pigeonholed ideologically. Democracy on Trial will generate wide debate and controversy.

About the Author

Jean Bethke Elshtain is the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of Social and Political Ethics at the University of Chicago. She is the author of Just War Against Terror and Democracy on Trial, among other books. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee and Chicago, Illinois.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Basic Books; Edition Unstated edition (December 22, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0465016170
ISBN-13: 978-0465016174
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.4 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #584 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Political Science > Political Ideologies
- #752 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Political Science > Government
- #835 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > General

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3 customer reviews

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RandomRoosterJD

Great points but...

July 17, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I had to read this book for a college level political philosophy class. The author makes great points as some of the other reviewers have stated specifically, but what hurts it is she announces her opinions about specific irrelevant issues slip out far too much in the book; however, as the author, it's her right to put in whatever she wants. Personally, I prefer older political philosophy so I was not entirely enthralled with it from the beginning. This review may not be helpful, but given the mixed reviews on here, it's ultimately up to the reader to decide for themselves whether they like it or not.

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Amazon Customer

On the mark!

July 11, 2001

Format: Paperback

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.

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jeremiah

pep talk

January 14, 2001

Format: Paperback

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.

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