The concept of democracy has become tarnished in recent years, as
governments become disconnected from voters and pursue unpopular
policies. And yet the ideal of democracy continues to inspire movements
around the world, such as the Arab Spring. Brian Roper refreshes our
understanding of democracy using a Marxist theoretical framework. He
traces the history of democracy from ancient Athens to the emergence of
liberal representative and socialist participatory democracy in Europe
and North America, through to the global spread of democracy during the
past century. Roper argues that democracy cannot be understood
separately from underlying processes of exploitation and class struggle.
He offers an engaging Marxist critique of representative democracy, and
raises the possibility of alternative democratic forms. The History of
Democracy will be of interest to students and scholars of history and
politics and all those concerned about the past, present and future of
democracy.
