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.