Power and the People: The Enduring Legacy of Athenian Democracy

Power and the People: The Enduring Legacy of Athenian Democracy
ISBN-10
1643135635
ISBN-13
9781643135632
Category
History
Pages
272
Language
English
Published
2020-09-01
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Author
Alev Scott

Description

Democracy was born in Athens. From the city's founding myths to its golden age and chaotic downfall, this timely and well-informed political history is rich with lessons for contemporary America. Why did vital civic engagement and fair debate in Athens descend into populism and paralysis? Can we compare the demagogue Cleon to President Trump; the Athenian Empire to modern America; or the stubborn island of Melos to Brexit Britain? How did a second referendum save the Athenians from a bloodthirsty decision? Who were the last defenders of democracy in the changing, globalized world of the fourth century BC—and how do we unconsciously echo these leaders today? With verve and acuity, the heroics and the critics of Athenian democracy are brought to bear on today's politics, revealing in all its glories and its flaws the system that still survives to execute the power of the people.

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