What is democracy?

Is the theory of democracy one or is it multiple? Are there many theories about many democracies or one theory about one democracy?

A fundamental work by the most celebrated theorist of democracy.

A matter of enduring interest for Giovanni Sartori, the study of democracy is of great importance in determining what we expect from it. To achieve this goal, Sartori dialogues with himself, with Aristotle, Locke, Rousseau, Marx... and with the reader to reflect on democracy, liberalism, and freedom, from their origins and in all their meanings, up to the current use, understanding, and application of these concepts and values. Furthermore, he analyzes the relationships between politics and economics; revolution and reform; state, civil society, and the individual; but above all, he tells us what democracy is and what it is not.

In this revised and expanded re-edition with a new appendix, Sartori also addresses the future prospects of democracy in light of the relevant political and social changes that have occurred in recent decades throughout the world. Establishing what the ideal democracy is is a more or less easy task; what is truly difficult is knowing what the conditions and realities of possible democracy are.