Democratic Imperative: The reality of power relationshipsDemocracy understood as people power, which is the only proper definition of the word, is put forward in this book as the panacea for resolving the most pressing issues of our time. But democracy as a practicable system hinges on many conditions which are seldom appreciated by our world leaders, international institutions, or relevant bodies of learning.The evolution of democracy as a system of government and way of life, and the problems to which the former gives rise is broadly discussed by the author. Of most significance are those situations, in both East and West, when democracy is ideologically used as a cover for ulterior purposes.It is powerfully argued that the left/right divide which for 200 years has served as the rationale for advancing social progress in sustaining democracy is now destroying it, as partly witnessed through the collapse of both party memberships and voting figures in most advanced industrial economies. This has occurred through the transformation of society and the world of work over the past 60 years, and has left our parliamentary representatives trapped in a time-warp of the past in their inability to meet the actuality of contemporary issues.It is clearly shown, through a variety of reasons, that democracy as an all-inclusive system of government is only workable within the nation state. This partly explains the crises of the EU, and the shortcomings of the UN's Security Council. The greatest threat to democracy, since it limits the power of the nation state to carry through electoral promises, is international finance and transnational corporations, which are unaccountable to any responsible authority and liable to bring economic catastrophe in their wake.This is a book which seeks to empower our national politicians, irrespective of party, so they may more effectively represent the interests of their electorates. A way must be found for our politicians to resolve their predicament, even though it may entail a shift in their attitudes and ideals. |
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20th century academic achieved advanced industrial economies America amongst Ariel Durant attitudes authority birth rate Britain British chapter civilisation conflict confronted course cultural Daily Telegraph David Cameron decades democracy democratic direct democracy discussion East East Tigers economic Ed Milliband egalitarian electoral elites emergence ensure established ethical Europe European existence factors financial-industrial system firstly freedom future Geoff Mulgan greater groups human humankind ideals ideology immigration imperialism individual interests irrespective Islamic issues Labour Labour party latter leading left/right divide legislation longer term methodology middle-middle majority moral nation never nonetheless organisation outcome over-population ownership parliamentary party past Peter Oborne policies political politicians population practical problem proletariat promoting public ownership purpose question reality recognise religion Rentier capitalism responsibility sector situation social Social Capitalism sphere standards trade usurious values Wealth Creation whilst