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SoBrief
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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 92%
Elections hand power to the few. A design for ordinary citizens to actually rule.
by Hélène Landemore 2020
4.09
109 ratings
Democracy May Not Exist, but We'll Miss It When It's Gone
by Astra Taylor • 2019
Democracy is not broken. It is eight unresolvable tensions; the work is holding them together.
4.20
731
Democracy May Not Exist, but We'll Miss It When It's Gone Summary
Democracy May Not Exist, but We'll Miss It When It's Gone 91%
Democracy is not broken. It is eight unresolvable tensions; the work is holding them together.
by Astra Taylor 2019
4.20
731 ratings
Citizens
by Jon Alexander • 2022
Society runs on two stories: we are subjects or consumers. A third story changes everything.
4.04
317
Citizens Summary
Citizens 91%
Society runs on two stories: we are subjects or consumers. A third story changes everything.
by Jon Alexander 2022
4.04
317 ratings
Demopolis
by Josiah Ober • 2019
180 years of democracy without liberalism: what Athens reveals about the fundamentals of self-rule.
3.40
25
Demopolis Summary
Demopolis 91%
180 years of democracy without liberalism: what Athens reveals about the fundamentals of self-rule.
by Josiah Ober 2019
3.40
25 ratings
⿻ 數位 Plurality
by E. Glen Weyl • 2024
Tech promised liberation but delivered surveillance and polarization. Taiwan found the off-ramp.
3.51
47
⿻ 數位 Plurality Summary
⿻ 數位 Plurality 90%
Tech promised liberation but delivered surveillance and polarization. Taiwan found the off-ramp.
by E. Glen Weyl 2024
3.51
47 ratings
Understanding Socialism
by Richard D. Wolff • 2019
The USSR and China were state capitalism, not socialism. The real thing starts with worker co-ops.
4.01
673
Understanding Socialism Summary
Understanding Socialism 90%
The USSR and China were state capitalism, not socialism. The real thing starts with worker co-ops.
by Richard D. Wolff 2019
4.01
673 ratings
Glimpses of Utopia
by Jess Scully • 2020
A fair society is not theoretical. Its pieces are already running in cities across the world.
3.97
110
Glimpses of Utopia Summary
Glimpses of Utopia 90%
A fair society is not theoretical. Its pieces are already running in cities across the world.
by Jess Scully 2020
3.97
110 ratings
Democracy When the People Are Thinking
by James S. Fishkin • 2018
Shallow views run democracy. When citizens deliberate, their priorities shift, and policy follows.
3.82
28
Democracy When the People Are Thinking Summary
Democracy When the People Are Thinking 90%
Shallow views run democracy. When citizens deliberate, their priorities shift, and policy follows.
by James S. Fishkin 2018
3.82
28 ratings
Reveille for Radicals
by Saul D. Alinsky • 1946
Democracy requires organized conflict and leaders from the bottom. A 1946 manual, still unheeded.
3.84
589
Reveille for Radicals Summary
Reveille for Radicals 90%
Democracy requires organized conflict and leaders from the bottom. A 1946 manual, still unheeded.
by Saul D. Alinsky 1946
3.84
589 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 90%
Free isn't removed walls; it's a body, a fact, a road, and solidarity.
by Theodor W. Adorno 1970
4.14
3k+ 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
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 90%
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2021
3.46
168 ratings
Paint Your Town Red
by Matthew Brown • 2021
38 million to 111 million: the spending shift that rebuilt a town.
3.71
173
Paint Your Town Red Summary
Paint Your Town Red 90%
38 million to 111 million: the spending shift that rebuilt a town.
by Matthew Brown 2021
3.71
173 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
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
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
Free and Equal
by Daniel Chandler • 2023
Forget who you are, design society. Rawls did; the result might be our fairest system.
3.95
439
Free and Equal Summary
Free and Equal 90%
Forget who you are, design society. Rawls did; the result might be our fairest system.
by Daniel Chandler 2023
3.95
439 ratings
After Capitalism
by David Schweickart • 2002
After capitalism: a blueprint where workers run firms and the public steers investment.
3.98
250
After Capitalism Summary
After Capitalism 90%
After capitalism: a blueprint where workers run firms and the public steers investment.
by David Schweickart 2002
3.98
250 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 90%
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
Political Philosophy
by Adam Swift • 2001
Democracy's trick: we accept losing because the game was fair, even if the result is wrong.
3.91
432
Political Philosophy Summary
Political Philosophy 90%
Democracy's trick: we accept losing because the game was fair, even if the result is wrong.
by Adam Swift 2001
3.91
432 ratings
Lifehouse
by Adam Greenfield • 2024
Votes and green tech won't stop climate collapse. The real plan: neighbors caring for each other.
3.84
86
Lifehouse Summary
Lifehouse 90%
Votes and green tech won't stop climate collapse. The real plan: neighbors caring for each other.
by Adam Greenfield 2024
3.84
86 ratings
Two Cheers for Anarchism
by James C. Scott • 2012
The anarchist's case: local know-how, small defiance, and messy disorder beat grand plans.
3.96
2k+
Two Cheers for Anarchism Summary
Two Cheers for Anarchism 90%
The anarchist's case: local know-how, small defiance, and messy disorder beat grand plans.
by James C. Scott 2012
3.96
2k+ 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 89%
Populists dismantle institutions; unelected courts rule from above; split tearing democracy apart.
by Yascha Mounk 2018
4.05
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 89%
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
by Ivan Krastev 2013
3.96
73 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? 89%
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
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 89%
Democrats swapped the working class for Wall Street. The collapse started with Bill Clinton.
by Ed Burmila 2022
4.43
194 ratings
The People’s Republic of Walmart
by Leigh Phillips • 2019
Big corporations already plan like socialist states. The final step is not computing but democracy.
3.88
2k+
The People’s Republic of Walmart Summary
The People’s Republic of Walmart 89%
Big corporations already plan like socialist states. The final step is not computing but democracy.
by Leigh Phillips 2019
3.88
2k+ 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 89%
Consensus is the liberal dream. Real democracy thrives on adversaries and a good fight.
by Chantal Mouffe 2013
3.87
351 ratings
The Truce
by Hunter Walker • 2024
Democrats won in 2020 but never settled their internal war. The reckoning still waits.
3.91
114
The Truce Summary
The Truce 89%
Democrats won in 2020 but never settled their internal war. The reckoning still waits.
by Hunter Walker 2024
3.91
114 ratings
Democracy at Work
by Richard D. Wolff • 2012
Capitalism's crises are by design. The only fix: workers run the company.
3.95
2k+
Democracy at Work Summary
Democracy at Work 89%
Capitalism's crises are by design. The only fix: workers run the company.
by Richard D. Wolff 2012
3.95
2k+ ratings
Organizing
by Marshall Ganz • 2014
The disciplined craft of turning personal stories and living-room meetings into political power.
4.26
19
Organizing Summary
Organizing 89%
The disciplined craft of turning personal stories and living-room meetings into political power.
by Marshall Ganz 2014
4.26
19 ratings
The Just City
by Susan S. Fainstein • 2010
Stop asking if a city is growing. Start asking who it's growing for.
3.75
174
The Just City Summary
The Just City 89%
Stop asking if a city is growing. Start asking who it's growing for.
by Susan S. Fainstein 2010
3.75
174 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? 89%
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
by Alan Wolfe 2006
3.57
21 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 89%
America's definition of freedom is broken. Less government has produced not liberty but oligarchy.
by Timothy Snyder 2025
4.28
5k+ ratings
Vote for US
by Joshua A. Douglas • 2019
How to fix American elections from the ground up, with reforms that are already winning.
4.17
65
Vote for US Summary
Vote for US 89%
How to fix American elections from the ground up, with reforms that are already winning.
by Joshua A. Douglas 2019
4.17
65 ratings
How Propaganda Works
by Jason F. Stanley • 2015
How coded language and elite myths rig democratic debate, and why the educated fall hardest.
3.59
859
How Propaganda Works Summary
How Propaganda Works 89%
How coded language and elite myths rig democratic debate, and why the educated fall hardest.
by Jason F. Stanley 2015
3.59
859 ratings
In the Long Run
by Jonathan White • 2024
The future made democracy possible. Calculated, secret, and algorithmic futures are dismantling it.
3.78
85
In the Long Run Summary
In the Long Run 89%
The future made democracy possible. Calculated, secret, and algorithmic futures are dismantling it.
by Jonathan White 2024
3.78
85 ratings
Politics Is for Power
by Eitan D. Hersh • 2020
Political obsession is a spectator sport that cedes power to the people who actually organize.
4.09
1k+
Politics Is for Power Summary
Politics Is for Power 89%
Political obsession is a spectator sport that cedes power to the people who actually organize.
by Eitan D. Hersh 2020
4.09
1k+ ratings
Rules for Revolutionaries
by Becky Bond • 2016
The volunteer-led organizing model that scales from a living room to a nationwide movement.
3.84
762
Rules for Revolutionaries Summary
Rules for Revolutionaries 89%
The volunteer-led organizing model that scales from a living room to a nationwide movement.
by Becky Bond 2016
3.84
762 ratings
Why AI Undermines Democracy and What To Do About It
by Mark Coeckelbergh • 2024
AI dismantles democracy not by malice but by logic. The philosophical fightback begins here.
3.26
54
Why AI Undermines Democracy and What To Do About It Summary
Why AI Undermines Democracy and What To Do About It 89%
AI dismantles democracy not by malice but by logic. The philosophical fightback begins here.
by Mark Coeckelbergh 2024
3.26
54 ratings
Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens
by Josiah Ober • 1989
An ancient democracy defied the drift toward oligarchy. The secret was rhetoric, not rules.
3.71
48
Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens Summary
Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens 89%
An ancient democracy defied the drift toward oligarchy. The secret was rhetoric, not rules.
by Josiah Ober 1989
3.71
48 ratings
A More Perfect Constitution
by Larry J. Sabato • 2007
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
3.66
335
A More Perfect Constitution Summary
A More Perfect Constitution 89%
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
by Larry J. Sabato 2007
3.66
335 ratings
This Is an Uprising
by Mark Engler • 2016
Nonviolence is not a virtue. It is a technology of conflict, and it brings down regimes.
4.20
1k+
This Is an Uprising Summary
This Is an Uprising 89%
Nonviolence is not a virtue. It is a technology of conflict, and it brings down regimes.
by Mark Engler 2016
4.20
1k+ ratings
Crafting State-Nations
by Alfred Stepan • 2010
For multinational democracies, the nation-state model is a trap. India shows a better path.
4.64
11
Crafting State-Nations Summary
Crafting State-Nations 89%
For multinational democracies, the nation-state model is a trap. India shows a better path.
by Alfred Stepan 2010
4.64
11 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 89%
Democracy is not about elections. It is the scandal that no one is born to rule.
by Jacques Rancière 2005
3.72
970 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 89%
What ordinary citizens did wrong last century, and what you can do right this one.
by Timothy Snyder 2017
4.29
112k+ ratings
Rights Talk
by Mary Ann Glendon • 1991
American law won't require you to rescue a drowning stranger. That gap explains our broken politics.
4.06
124
Rights Talk Summary
Rights Talk 88%
American law won't require you to rescue a drowning stranger. That gap explains our broken politics.
by Mary Ann Glendon 1991
4.06
124 ratings
Hegemony How-To
by Jonathan Smucker • 2017
Activist is a political dead end: it isolates movements, excuses sympathizers, cedes power.
4.24
442
Hegemony How-To Summary
Hegemony How-To 88%
Activist is a political dead end: it isolates movements, excuses sympathizers, cedes power.
by Jonathan Smucker 2017
4.24
442 ratings
Demanding the Impossible
by Peter H. Marshall • 1992
Self-rule predates the state. Anarchist thought from ancient Taoism to the modern era.
4.12
1k+
Demanding the Impossible Summary
Demanding the Impossible 88%
Self-rule predates the state. Anarchist thought from ancient Taoism to the modern era.
by Peter H. Marshall 1992
4.12
1k+ ratings
Radical Markets
by Eric A. Posner • 2018
We stopped markets halfway. Finishing them means anyone can buy your house at your price.
3.95
2k+
Radical Markets Summary
Radical Markets 88%
We stopped markets halfway. Finishing them means anyone can buy your house at your price.
by Eric A. Posner 2018
3.95
2k+ ratings
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