Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe: From the Ancien Régime to the Present Day

by Sheri Berman Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley

Overview

At the end of the twentieth century, many believed the story of European political development had come to an end. Modern democracy began in Europe, but for hundreds of years it competed with various forms of dictatorship. Now, though, the entire continent was in the democratic camp for the first time in history. But within a decade, this story had already begun to unravel. Some of the continent's newer democracies slid back towards dictatorship, while citizens in many of its older democracies began questioning democracy's functioning and even its legitimacy. And of course it is not merely in Europe where democracy is under siege.



In Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe, Sheri Berman traces the long history of democracy in its cradle, Europe. She explains that in fact, just about every democratic wave in Europe initially failed, either collapsing in upon itself or succumbing to the forces of reaction. Yet even when democratic waves failed, there were always some achievements that lasted. Even the most virulently reactionary regimes could not suppress every element of democratic progress. Panoramic in scope, Berman takes listeners through two centuries of turmoil: revolution, fascism, civil war, and-finally-the emergence of liberal democratic Europe in the postwar era.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Sheri Berman's Democracy and Dictatorship is one of the few books that grabbed me with its opening paragraph... One of the many virtues of [her] calm, reasoned, and well-informed examination of the (at best) checkered history of democratic institutions on the European continent is that she takes the long view and an evidentiary rather than emotional approach." — Aram Bakshian Jr., Washington Times

"Sheri Berman traces the history of democratisation and dictatorship in Europe from the ancien régime to the postwar period. Her thesis explains how individual liberties and human rights are constantly under challenge from both the extreme left and the far right." — Australian Book Review

"As Sheri Berman conveys in her magisterial new book on the birth of modern European politics, history ought to give us a profound sense of modesty about whether we can ever take democracy for granted... Anyone concerned about today's crisis should consult Berman's stimulating book... As a scholar of European politics with subspecialties in fascism, populism, and the left, Berman shows great facility with the depth and breadth of this vast topic... Berman's richly textured work of political history reminds us of timeless verities." — Democracy Journal

"A dense, astute history and warning about the importance-in the face of growing illiberalism and the reawakening of authoritarianism-of continuing to strengthen democratic institutions and structures." — Kirkus Reviews

"Sheri Berman has written a comprehensive and incisive — I would even say indispensable — guide to the historical conditions under which democracies rise and persist. Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe is a model for the kind of scholarship we urgently need today: erudite and analytically exact, it stands in continual dialogue with the most pressing political question of our time. And just in case that weren't enough, it will not only leave readers better equipped to understand the current moment, but also more optimistic that we may yet be able to shape a better future." — Yascha Mounk, author of The People vs. Democracy; Lecturer on Government, Harvard University; and Senior Fellow, New America

"Sheri Berman's Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe is a magisterial survey of the ebb and flow of democratic tides over centuries of European politics. In her able hands, democracy's history counters the myopia of the present and offers hope for the future. Because past democratizers were able to overcome seemingly fatal setbacks, there is no compelling reason to assume that today's democratic recession will continue indefinitely." — William A. Galston, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution

"Sheri Berman brings history back into our anguished debate about the future of liberal democracy. A sweeping and authoritative review of political development in Europe and America since the 17th century, her work restores perspective and context to contemporary debates about democracy today." — Michael Ignatieff, President, Central European University, Budapest

"Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe provides a lucid account of the way that European countries moved towards, and then away from democracy. Sheri Berman is one of the best comparativists going, providing an encompassing framework for understanding the historical development of modern institutions." — Francis Fukuyama, author of Identity and Director of the Stanford Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law

"Berman shows that the story of democracy in Europe is complicated. A step forward is often followed by a step back. This may seem a bit obvious to anyone familiar with the broad outlines of European history, but Berman makes the case clearly and convincingly. Moreover, at a moment when hyperventilating over the decline of democracy has grown into a veritable intellectual industry, her long-view approach comes across as appealingly sober." - The New York Times

"Readers will come away from Berman's account with useful insights on the vital question of why democracy sometimes succeeds but often does not." - Foreign Affairs

"Berman's book provides an essential grounding for those studying comparative politics. Highly Recommended." - M.G. Roskin, CHOICE

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177283067
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	03/23/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

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