Evolutionary Basic Democracy: A Critical Overture (The Theories, Concepts and Practices of Democracy) - Hardcover

John Dryzek, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University, Australia

Jean-Paul Gagnon's new book on democracy is definitely the most innovative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work that will surely become a classic in the study of democracy and democratization all over the world. His concept of "evolutionary basic democracy" can be found not only in the nonhuman sector but also in human beings, implying that democracy has long been enjoying a life of its own that cut across borders, time and space. As such, the origins, concept, dimensions and meaning of democracy are questioned fundamentally. Social scientists and scientists will find this book extremely thought-provoking, original and transdisciplinary.

Sonny Lo, Head of the Department of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Institute of Education, China

Jean-Paul Gagnon's book shakes our certainties that we know what is democracy and moreover that the society in which we live is for sure democratic. It questions the idea that democracy was born in ancient Greece and that the way in which it was implemented in modern European and North-American countries is the template of how democracy works everywhere in the world. This provocative book outlines a global history of democracy written according to a cross-cultural method and against the current. It is thus extremely useful besides being challengingly original.

Nadia Urbinati, Department of Political Science, Columbia University, USA

“Gagnon’s work thrillingly blows open methodological and epistemological debates in the analysis of democracy. It deserves attention from all scholars and advanced students dissatisfied with contemporary conceptualisations and measurements of democracy.” (Matthew Wood, Political Studies Review, Vol. 13 (4), 2015)