As new democracies struggle for survival in Afghanistan and elsewhere, this timely work confronts the challenges facing modern democracy and asks: is it still worth fighting for? Opening with the history of an idea dating back to Ancient Greece, this clear and accessible guide not only explains the theory behind democracy, but also considers its practical application, addressing such issues as:¿ corporate might: does big business undermine the democratic process?¿ the UN in action: can democracy operate internationally?¿ citizens¿ juries: people power or talking shops?Designed for the activist, the student and the simply curious, this challenging, informative and highly readadble book features such useful resources as an annotated list of websites and organisations and a glossary of key terms. As both a handbook and a manifesto, it offers new directions for a modern democracy based on freedom, equality and active participation at every level of society.

"Beetham's book should stimulate anyone, beginner or expert, who is interested in the survival and renewal of democracy in the era of globalization." Peter Singer - Author of The President Of Good And Evil: Taking George Bush Seriously "A strong and shrewd mixture of analysis and polemic...If more was not to come, I would call this the author's crowning achievement." Sir Bernard Crick - Emeritus Professor of Birkbeck College, University of London, and author of Demo

OneIntroduction: What is Democracy?TwoDemocratic Ideas at Work in PracticeCitizen rightsInstitutions of representative and accountable governmentThe associational life of civil societyThreeSources of Disillusion in the `Old¿ DemocraciesDecline in government autonomyDecline in government capacityDeclining credibilityFourSuccess and Setback in the New and Emergent DemocraciesLegacies of transitionProblems of consolidating and deepening democracyStateNationReligionEconomyFiveGlobalising DemocracyDemocracy promotionDemocratising global institutionsDemocracy and the European UnionSixReviving Democracy: New Forms of ParticipationParticipation in governmentCo-decision in devolved governmentDeliberative opinion polls and citizens¿ juriesReferenda and citizens¿ initiativesDigital democracySevenConclusion: Getting ActiveGlossary of key termsList of democracy and human rights organisations and websites