The UK's democracy & constitution have undergone a period of unprecedented change. This book provides a unique opportunity for a diverse range of major contributors to reflect on the current state of our democracy, 20 years after the founding of ground-breaking campaign group Charter 88.

By illuminating the complexities and interrelations of the global community, this excellent resource helps students and other researchers enhance their global awareness on the topic of democracy. Readers will explore the relationship between democracy and government in several countries, including Spain, South Korea, Columbia and Ghana, as well as the relationship between democracy and equality. What is the role of activist groups in promoting democracy in Central and Eastern Europe? Can international pressure force Burma to democratize? Does the United States actively promote democracy in the developing world? This collection of essays provides the answers to these questions and more. Reader will also look at the impact of economics, including taxes and wealth distribution, on democratic growth.

The best book for the ordinary reader on the global environmental and economic crisis.

Substantial, clear, rigorous and comprehensive ... the new Human Rights title in the groundbreaking undergraduate textbook series.

Democracy Unlocked: Young Changemakers' Guide" is a beacon for the next generation of activists and leaders. Authored by renowned political thinkers and youth empowerment advocates, this book serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of democracy and effecting positive change. Through its pages, readers embark on a journey of discovery, learning about the principles of democracy, the mechanisms of civic engagement, and the power of collective action. Packed with practical advice, inspirational stories, and thought-provoking exercises, "Democracy Unlocked" equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective changemakers in their communities and beyond. From grassroots organizing to digital advocacy, from policy analysis to coalition building, this guide covers a wide array of strategies and tools for making a difference. With its empowering message and actionable insights, "Democracy Unlocked" empowers young people to unleash their potential and contribute to building a more just, inclusive, and democratic society

Lay politics lies at the heart of democracy. Political offices are the only offices for which no formal qualifications are required. Contemporary political practices are diametrically opposed to this constitutional ideal. Most democracies in Western Europe are diploma democracies - ruled by those with the highest formal qualifications. Citizens with low or medium educational qualifications currently make up about 70 percent of the electorates, yet they have become virtually absent from almost all political arenas. University graduates have come to dominate all political institutions and venues, from political parties, parliaments and cabinets, to organised interests, deliberative settings, and Internet consultations. This rise of a political meritocracy is part of larger trend. In the information society, educational background, like class or religion, is an important source of social and political divides. Those who are well educated tend to be cosmopolitans, whereas the lesser educated citizens are more likely to be nationalists. This book documents the context, contours, and consequences of this rise of a political meritocracy. It explores the domination of higher educated citizens in political participation, civil society, and political office in Western Europe. It discusses the consequences of this rise of a political meritocracy, such as descriptive deficits, policy incongruences, biased standards, and cynicism and distrust. Also, it looks at ways to remedy, or at least mitigate, some of the negative effects of diploma democracy.