Democracy Rules

By: Jan-Werner Müller

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

A much-anticipated guide to saving democracy, from one of our most essential political thinkers.

Everyone knows that democracy is in trouble, but do we know what democracy actually is? Jan-Werner Müller, author of the widely translated and acclaimed What Is Populism?, takes us back to basics in Democracy Rules. In this short, elegant volume, he explains how democracy is founded not just on liberty and equality, but also on uncertainty. The latter will sound unattractive at a time when the pandemic has created unbearable uncertainty for so many. But it is crucial for ensuring democracy's dynamic and creative character, which remains one of its signal advantages over authoritarian alternatives that seek to render politics (and individual citizens) completely predictable.

Müller shows that we need to reinvigorate the intermediary institutions that have been deemed essential for democracy's success ever since the 19th century: political parties and free media. Contrary to conventional wisdom, these are not spent forces in a supposed age of post-party populist leadership and post-truth. Müller suggests concretely how democracy's critical infrastructure of intermediary institutions could be renovated, re-empowering citizens while also preserving a place for professionals such as journalists and judges.

©2021 Jan-Werner Müller (P)2022 Tantor

Deeply instructive, flawlessly presented

For most of us, this book will have to be read more than once to be fully understood and appreciated. But even a quick read reveals uncommon insights about the democratic experiment. If nothing else, one can amazed and humbled by the breadth of the scholarship.