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Democracy Rules
by Jan-Werner Müller • 2021
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
3.46
168
Democracy Rules Summary
Democracy Rules 92%
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2021
3.46
168 ratings
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies
by Benjamin M. Studebaker • 2024
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
4.60
15
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies Summary
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies 91%
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
by Benjamin M. Studebaker 2024
4.60
15 ratings
Does American Democracy Still Work?
by Alan Wolfe • 2006
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
3.57
21
Does American Democracy Still Work? Summary
Does American Democracy Still Work? 91%
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
by Alan Wolfe 2006
3.57
21 ratings
How Democracies Die
by Steven Levitsky • 2018
Coups are relics. The new authoritarian wins the election first, then slowly silences the referees.
4.16
33k+
How Democracies Die Summary
How Democracies Die 91%
Coups are relics. The new authoritarian wins the election first, then slowly silences the referees.
by Steven Levitsky 2018
4.16
33k+ ratings
The People vs. Democracy
by Yascha Mounk • 2018
Populists dismantle institutions; unelected courts rule from above; split tearing democracy apart.
4.05
2k+
The People vs. Democracy Summary
The People vs. Democracy 91%
Populists dismantle institutions; unelected courts rule from above; split tearing democracy apart.
by Yascha Mounk 2018
4.05
2k+ ratings
Aesthetic Theory
by Theodor W. Adorno • 1970
Free isn't removed walls; it's a body, a fact, a road, and solidarity.
4.14
3k+
Aesthetic Theory Summary
Aesthetic Theory 91%
Free isn't removed walls; it's a body, a fact, a road, and solidarity.
by Theodor W. Adorno 1970
4.14
3k+ ratings
The Last American President
by Thom Hartmann • 2025
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
4.48
321
The Last American President Summary
The Last American President 91%
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
by Thom Hartmann 2025
4.48
321 ratings
What Is Populism?
by Jan-Werner Müller • 2014
Forget anti-elite anger. Populism's core is the claim that opponents are not the real people.
3.82
3k+
What Is Populism? Summary
What Is Populism? 91%
Forget anti-elite anger. Populism's core is the claim that opponents are not the real people.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2014
3.82
3k+ ratings
No Democracy Lasts Forever
by Erwin Chemerinsky • 2024
The document Americans revere was built to thwart popular rule. Now it is breaking the country.
3.93
337
No Democracy Lasts Forever Summary
No Democracy Lasts Forever 91%
The document Americans revere was built to thwart popular rule. Now it is breaking the country.
by Erwin Chemerinsky 2024
3.93
337 ratings
How Democratic Is the American Constitution?
by Robert A. Dahl • 2001
No other advanced democracy ever copied our Constitution. What they all saw that we do not.
3.69
760
How Democratic Is the American Constitution? Summary
How Democratic Is the American Constitution? 91%
No other advanced democracy ever copied our Constitution. What they all saw that we do not.
by Robert A. Dahl 2001
3.69
760 ratings
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority
by Martin Gurri • 2014
The digital revolution gave the public the power to destroy institutions but not to replace them.
4.19
2k+
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority Summary
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority 91%
The digital revolution gave the public the power to destroy institutions but not to replace them.
by Martin Gurri 2014
4.19
2k+ ratings
In Mistrust We Trust
by Ivan Krastev • 2013
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
3.96
73
In Mistrust We Trust Summary
In Mistrust We Trust 91%
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
by Ivan Krastev 2013
3.96
73 ratings
Open Democracy
by Hélène Landemore • 2020
Elections hand power to the few. A design for ordinary citizens to actually rule.
4.09
109
Open Democracy Summary
Open Democracy 91%
Elections hand power to the few. A design for ordinary citizens to actually rule.
by Hélène Landemore 2020
4.09
109 ratings
On Democracy
by Robert A. Dahl • 1998
Democracy is barely a century old, needs rare conditions, and capitalism is its host and hazard.
3.68
1k+
On Democracy Summary
On Democracy 91%
Democracy is barely a century old, needs rare conditions, and capitalism is its host and hazard.
by Robert A. Dahl 1998
3.68
1k+ ratings
Democracy and Solidarity
by James Davison Hunter • 2024
The American experiment was built on a fragile fusion of reason and faith. That fusion has run out.
4.32
122
Democracy and Solidarity Summary
Democracy and Solidarity 91%
The American experiment was built on a fragile fusion of reason and faith. That fusion has run out.
by James Davison Hunter 2024
4.32
122 ratings
The Reactionary Spirit
by Zack Beauchamp • 2024
The urge to defend hierarchy dismantles democracy from within. Four nations reveal the pattern.
4.01
166
The Reactionary Spirit Summary
The Reactionary Spirit 90%
The urge to defend hierarchy dismantles democracy from within. Four nations reveal the pattern.
by Zack Beauchamp 2024
4.01
166 ratings
The Future of Freedom
by Fareed Zakaria • 2003
Democracy without courts, rights, and restraints is just a machine for producing elected strongmen.
4.02
4k+
The Future of Freedom Summary
The Future of Freedom 90%
Democracy without courts, rights, and restraints is just a machine for producing elected strongmen.
by Fareed Zakaria 2003
4.02
4k+ ratings
Trumpocracy
by David Frum • 2018
American democracy didn't fall; it was hollowed out by lies and a party that looked away.
3.88
4k+
Trumpocracy Summary
Trumpocracy 90%
American democracy didn't fall; it was hollowed out by lies and a party that looked away.
by David Frum 2018
3.88
4k+ ratings
Autocracy, Inc.
by Anne Applebaum • 2024
A global network of dictators runs autocracies like for-profit firms. Democracies bankroll them.
4.16
19k+
Autocracy, Inc. Summary
Autocracy, Inc. 90%
A global network of dictators runs autocracies like for-profit firms. Democracies bankroll them.
by Anne Applebaum 2024
4.16
19k+ ratings
Democracy and Its Critics
by Robert A. Dahl • 1989
Democracy requires conditions that sound simple and are almost never present at the same time.
3.84
316
Democracy and Its Critics Summary
Democracy and Its Critics 90%
Democracy requires conditions that sound simple and are almost never present at the same time.
by Robert A. Dahl 1989
3.84
316 ratings
Laboratories of Autocracy
by David Pepper • 2021
How statehouses became the most dangerous threat to American democracy, and why nobody noticed.
4.48
338
Laboratories of Autocracy Summary
Laboratories of Autocracy 90%
How statehouses became the most dangerous threat to American democracy, and why nobody noticed.
by David Pepper 2021
4.48
338 ratings
After the Fall
by Ben Rhodes • 2021
The foreign policy that won the Cold War ended up arming the next generation of dictators.
4.19
5k+
After the Fall Summary
After the Fall 90%
The foreign policy that won the Cold War ended up arming the next generation of dictators.
by Ben Rhodes 2021
4.19
5k+ ratings
On Freedom
by Timothy Snyder • 2025
America's definition of freedom is broken. Less government has produced not liberty but oligarchy.
4.28
5k+
On Freedom Summary
On Freedom 90%
America's definition of freedom is broken. Less government has produced not liberty but oligarchy.
by Timothy Snyder 2025
4.28
5k+ ratings
Against Democracy
by Jason Brennan • 2016
Voters are ignorant and participation corrupts them. The competent should rule instead.
3.68
1k+
Against Democracy Summary
Against Democracy 90%
Voters are ignorant and participation corrupts them. The competent should rule instead.
by Jason Brennan 2016
3.68
1k+ ratings
Republic, Lost
by Lawrence Lessig • 2011
America's government answers to funders, not voters. The corruption is legal, and it's by design.
4.18
3k+
Republic, Lost Summary
Republic, Lost 90%
America's government answers to funders, not voters. The corruption is legal, and it's by design.
by Lawrence Lessig 2011
4.18
3k+ ratings
The Good State
by A.C. Grayling • 2020
Most democracies fail their own test: the government reflects a minority, not the people.
3.81
130
The Good State Summary
The Good State 90%
Most democracies fail their own test: the government reflects a minority, not the people.
by A.C. Grayling 2020
3.81
130 ratings
Fight for Liberty
by Mark Lasswell • 2018
Democracy is besieged by authoritarians abroad. The weakening at home is the harder fight.
3.92
50
Fight for Liberty Summary
Fight for Liberty 90%
Democracy is besieged by authoritarians abroad. The weakening at home is the harder fight.
by Mark Lasswell 2018
3.92
50 ratings
Ill Winds
by Larry Diamond • 2019
Democracy is being dismantled not by tanks but through courts, captured media, and laundered money.
3.99
274
Ill Winds Summary
Ill Winds 90%
Democracy is being dismantled not by tanks but through courts, captured media, and laundered money.
by Larry Diamond 2019
3.99
274 ratings
Democracy
by Charles Tilly • 2007
Democracy isn't a finish line. Three processes build it; elites can tear them down much faster.
3.64
173
Democracy Summary
Democracy 90%
Democracy isn't a finish line. Three processes build it; elites can tear them down much faster.
by Charles Tilly 2007
3.64
173 ratings
Hatred of Democracy
by Jacques Rancière • 2005
Democracy is not about elections. It is the scandal that no one is born to rule.
3.72
970
Hatred of Democracy Summary
Hatred of Democracy 90%
Democracy is not about elections. It is the scandal that no one is born to rule.
by Jacques Rancière 2005
3.72
970 ratings
A Lot of People Are Saying
by Russell Muirhead • 2019
Conspiracism changed. It no longer explains, only tears down, and it now occupies the White House.
3.60
784
A Lot of People Are Saying Summary
A Lot of People Are Saying 90%
Conspiracism changed. It no longer explains, only tears down, and it now occupies the White House.
by Russell Muirhead 2019
3.60
784 ratings
It's Even Worse Than It Looks
by Thomas E. Mann • 2012
The debt ceiling as hostage, the filibuster as permanent veto: how one party broke democracy.
3.89
4k+
It's Even Worse Than It Looks Summary
It's Even Worse Than It Looks 90%
The debt ceiling as hostage, the filibuster as permanent veto: how one party broke democracy.
by Thomas E. Mann 2012
3.89
4k+ ratings
Chaotic Neutral
by Ed Burmila • 2022
Democrats swapped the working class for Wall Street. The collapse started with Bill Clinton.
4.43
194
Chaotic Neutral Summary
Chaotic Neutral 90%
Democrats swapped the working class for Wall Street. The collapse started with Bill Clinton.
by Ed Burmila 2022
4.43
194 ratings
How to Lose a Country
by Ece Temelkuran • 2019
A democracy collapses step by step, and the playbook looks the same from Turkey to the West.
4.04
2k+
How to Lose a Country Summary
How to Lose a Country 90%
A democracy collapses step by step, and the playbook looks the same from Turkey to the West.
by Ece Temelkuran 2019
4.04
2k+ ratings
Democracy in America?
by Benjamin I. Page • 2017
What most Americans want passes one time in three. The explanation isn't gridlock. It's wealth.
3.78
54
Democracy in America? Summary
Democracy in America? 90%
What most Americans want passes one time in three. The explanation isn't gridlock. It's wealth.
by Benjamin I. Page 2017
3.78
54 ratings
Kill Switch
by Adam Jentleson • 2021
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
4.24
3k+
Kill Switch Summary
Kill Switch 90%
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
by Adam Jentleson 2021
4.24
3k+ ratings
Tyranny of the Minority
by Steven Levitsky • 2023
The party fewer voters chose governs, and the rulebook was written to let them.
4.39
4k+
Tyranny of the Minority Summary
Tyranny of the Minority 90%
The party fewer voters chose governs, and the rulebook was written to let them.
by Steven Levitsky 2023
4.39
4k+ ratings
When the People Speak
by James S. Fishkin • 2009
Democracy's dirty secret: a few hundred informed citizens reason better than millions.
3.76
49
When the People Speak Summary
When the People Speak 90%
Democracy's dirty secret: a few hundred informed citizens reason better than millions.
by James S. Fishkin 2009
3.76
49 ratings
The Assault on Truth
by Peter Oborne • 2021
Two leaders, one playbook: turn truth into a loyalty test, and watch democracy erode.
3.98
1k+
The Assault on Truth Summary
The Assault on Truth 90%
Two leaders, one playbook: turn truth into a loyalty test, and watch democracy erode.
by Peter Oborne 2021
3.98
1k+ ratings
American Struggle
by Jon Meacham • 2026
Democracy doesn't run on autopilot. The documents that show what happens when Americans forget.
4.20
587
American Struggle Summary
American Struggle 90%
Democracy doesn't run on autopilot. The documents that show what happens when Americans forget.
by Jon Meacham 2026
4.20
587 ratings
On Tyranny
by Timothy Snyder • 2017
What ordinary citizens did wrong last century, and what you can do right this one.
4.29
112k+
On Tyranny Summary
On Tyranny 90%
What ordinary citizens did wrong last century, and what you can do right this one.
by Timothy Snyder 2017
4.29
112k+ ratings
Democracy
by Margaret Atwood • 2024
Democracy fails when no one joins anything. Eleven writers and leaders on the repair work.
3.95
287
Democracy Summary
Democracy 90%
Democracy fails when no one joins anything. Eleven writers and leaders on the repair work.
by Margaret Atwood 2024
3.95
287 ratings
Anti-Pluralism
by William A. Galston • 2018
When economies stop delivering, democracies start falling. Populism is the symptom, not the disease.
3.76
151
Anti-Pluralism Summary
Anti-Pluralism 90%
When economies stop delivering, democracies start falling. Populism is the symptom, not the disease.
by William A. Galston 2018
3.76
151 ratings
The Bill of Obligations
by Richard N. Haass • 2023
Rights are half the contract. Democracy's survival depends on ten duties Americans have forgotten.
4.12
2k+
The Bill of Obligations Summary
The Bill of Obligations 90%
Rights are half the contract. Democracy's survival depends on ten duties Americans have forgotten.
by Richard N. Haass 2023
4.12
2k+ ratings
Ungoverning
by Nancy L. Rosenblum • 2024
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
3.79
90
Ungoverning Summary
Ungoverning 90%
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
by Nancy L. Rosenblum 2024
3.79
90 ratings
Agonistics
by Chantal Mouffe • 2013
Consensus is the liberal dream. Real democracy thrives on adversaries and a good fight.
3.87
351
Agonistics Summary
Agonistics 90%
Consensus is the liberal dream. Real democracy thrives on adversaries and a good fight.
by Chantal Mouffe 2013
3.87
351 ratings
Network Propaganda
by Yochai Benkler • 2018
The internet did not polarize America; a lopsided propaganda machine built over decades did.
4.14
387
Network Propaganda Summary
Network Propaganda 90%
The internet did not polarize America; a lopsided propaganda machine built over decades did.
by Yochai Benkler 2018
4.14
387 ratings
The Broken Branch
by Thomas E. Mann • 2006
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
3.76
290
The Broken Branch Summary
The Broken Branch 90%
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
by Thomas E. Mann 2006
3.76
290 ratings
The Rise of the Outsiders
by Steve Richards • 2017
Outsiders took the West with three forces: globalization's losers, immigration fears, media rage.
3.69
150
The Rise of the Outsiders Summary
The Rise of the Outsiders 90%
Outsiders took the West with three forces: globalization's losers, immigration fears, media rage.
by Steve Richards 2017
3.69
150 ratings
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy
by William G. Howell • 2020
The Constitution was designed for inaction; that structural flaw now fuels populist demagogues.
3.87
82
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy Summary
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy 90%
The Constitution was designed for inaction; that structural flaw now fuels populist demagogues.
by William G. Howell 2020
3.87
82 ratings
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