Why Politics Matters

Achieving mass democracy was the great triumph of the last century. Learning to live with it will be the greatest achievement of this one. Stoker suggests that democracy must create a new politics, making it as easy as possible for as many people to participate. Winner of the Political Studies Association Book of the Year Prize 2006

Introduction PART 1: MASS DEMOCRACY: TRIUMPH AND DISAPPOINTMENT The Triumph of Democracy? An Age of Political Discontent? Explanations of Political Disenchantment The Politics of Disappointment PART 2: THE PATHOLOGIES OF POLITICAL PRACTICE The Decline of Citizen Engagement? The Professionalization of Activism? The Dangers of Cynicism The Perils of Populism PART 3: SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS Towards a Politics for Amateurs Reviving Political Institutions Creating a New Civic Arena Conclusion