The Twilight of Democracy / Demokratiedämmerung
On the Critique of Democratic Theory
A reckoning with democratic theory against the backdrop of widespread democratic decline
»It might be a good idea in theory, but it just does not work in practice!« The things that used to be said about communism can now be applied to democracy – its credibility is increasingly waning. In this astute work of political analysis, Veith Selk shows why both democratic politics and their theoretical underpinnings never quite deliver on their promises in the real world. In doing so, he outlines two main theses: firstly that the downfall of democracy is not due to a regression but a...
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»It might be a good idea in theory, but it just does not work in practice!« The things that used to be said about communism can now be applied to democracy – its credibility is increasingly waning. In this astute work of political analysis, Veith Selk shows why both democratic politics and their theoretical underpinnings never quite deliver on their promises in the real world. In doing so, he outlines two main theses: firstly that the downfall of democracy is not due to a regression but a result of societal advancement; and secondly that the end of democracy that this heralds is also leading to a deterioration of democratic theory, which is becoming an anachronistic academic discipline.
»Libraries are full of examinations of the ›end of democracy‹. Nevertheless, with its argumentative rigour, the clarity of its theses, and its sweeping scope, this monograph by Darmstadt-based political scientist Veith Selk should have no problem justifying its existence.« Christoph Möllers, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
»[The Twilight of Democracy] might soon prove itself to be prophetic.« Thomas Assheuer, DIE ZEIT
»[Selk’s] chain of evidence in support of his thesis is startling…« Robert Misik, Falter
»[The Twilight of Democracy] might soon prove itself to be prophetic.« Thomas Assheuer, DIE ZEIT
»[Selk’s] chain of evidence in support of his thesis is startling…« Robert Misik, Falter
»Libraries are full of examinations of the ›end of democracy‹. Nevertheless, with its argumentative rigour, the clarity of its theses, and its sweeping scope, this monograph by Darmstadt-based political scientist Veith Selk should have no problem justifying its existence.« Christoph Möllers, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
»[The Twilight of Democracy] might soon prove itself to be prophetic.« Thomas Assheuer, DIE ZEIT
»[Selk’s] chain of evidence in...
»[The Twilight of Democracy] might soon prove itself to be prophetic.« Thomas Assheuer, DIE ZEIT
»[Selk’s] chain of evidence in...
Read more
2023, 336 pages