In this prize-winning book, one of the most prominent political theorists of our time makes a major statement about what democracy is and why it is important. Robert Dahl examines the most basic assumptions of democratic theory, tests them against the questions raised by its critics, and recasts the theory of democracy into a new and coherent whole. He concludes by discussing the directions in which democracy must move if advanced democratic states are to exist in the future. “When Robert Dahl speaks about democracy, everyone should listen. With Democracy and Its Critics Dahl has produced a work destined to become another classic.”―Lucian W. Pye, American Political Science Review “In this magisterial work [Dahl]… describe[s] what democracy means…; why our own democracy is still deeply flawed; and how we could reform it…. A work of extraordinary intelligence and, what is even rarer, a work of extraordinary wisdom.”―Robert N. Bellah, New York Times Book Review Robert A. Dahl , Sterling Professor of Political Science Emeritus at Yale Universtiy, is also the author of Who Governs?, After the Revolution?, Polyarchy, and Dilemmas of Pluralist Democracy, all available from Yale University Press. "Like democratic theory itself, Dahl's book is hugely inspiring. . . . this is a hugely impressive book, which traces the assumptions of democratic theory from 5th-century Athens to the present day and beyond. it is remarkable for its sustained attempt to connect theory and practice."—Susan Mendus, The Times Higher Education Supplement "One of the foremost contemporary theorists of pluralist democracy."―Jack Lively, Times Literary Supplement "[This book] could not have come at a more opportune moment. . . . Democracy and Its Critics is a work of extraordinary intelligence and, what is even rarer, a work of extraordinary wisdom. Mr. Dahl writes clearly and effectively. . . . The discussion is fresh and illuminating, the treatment of alternative views careful and respectful, the difficulties in his own views spelled out in detail. An attentive reader of this book will receive a real education in the meaning of democracy. . . . Beneath all the moderation and devotion to intellectual clarity that are so evident in this book, there is the moving presence of a profound passion for democracy."―Robert N. Bellah, New York Times Book Review "America's leading expert on democratic theory delivers his magnum opus."― Philadelphia Inquirer "Like democratic theory itself, Dahl's book is hugely inspiring. . . . This is a hugely impressive book, which traces the assumptions of democratic theory from 5th-century Athens to the present day and beyond. it is remarkable for its sustained attempt to connect theory and practice."―Susan Mendus, The Times Higher Education Supplement "Dahl defends democracy against various criticisms, including anarchism and its tenet that even democracy is coercive. . . . A necessary purchase."―David Steiniche, Library Journal "A necessary purchase for graduate libraries and recommended for undergraduate and public libraries."― Library Journal "One of the country's premier political philosophers here shares the fruit of years of thoughtful reflection upon the promise and perils of democracy. As he uncovers the foundations of democratic theory, Dahl confronts his readers with the arguments of democracy's critics, friendly and adversarial. The questions raised prove vexing. . . . a book deserving attention from Americans serious about their citizenship."― Booklist "When Robert Dahl speaks about democracy, everyone should listen. With Democracy and Its Critics Dahl has produced a work destined to become another classic to go along with his A Preface to Democratic Theory . . . . Now Dahl's virtuosity takes the form of conducting a masterful dialogue of reason, of guiding a truly advanced seminar on the major ideas and arguments in the field of democratic theory broadly defined. The reader becomes a mute but engrossed participant in a brilliant but also meticulously detailed series of discussions in which few issues are skipped over or arguments left hanging, as almost every train of thought is carried to its logical termination. The atmosphere of a sustained seminar is reinforced by Dahl's ingenious use of the playwright's technique of heated dialogues and verbal crossing of swords."—Lucian W. Pye, American Political Science Review "It's difficult to imagine a political science seminar in which this lucid and thoughtful book would not stimulate energetic discussion. . . . Even those who have followed Dahl's writings of the past forty years will find many riches. . . . This book encouraged me to think about some old problems in new ways. I encourage others to enjoy similar benefits."―G. Bingham Powell, Jr., Political Science Quarterly " Democracy and Its Critics is a rigorous summary of the life work of one of America's premier political scientists. It is also a tim