Thomas R. Dye
Teoksen The Irony of Democracy: An Uncommon Introduction to American Politics tekijä
Tietoja tekijästä
Thomas R. Dye is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Florida State University. He was formerly McKenzie Professor of Government. He is the author of numerous books and articles on American government and public policy, including The Irony of Democracy, now in its fourteenth edition.
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Merkitty avainsanalla
Yleistieto
- Sukupuoli
- male
- Kansalaisuus
- USA
- Asuinpaikat
- Delray Beach, Florida, USA
- Koulutus
- Pennsylvania State University (BS|MA)
University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.) - Ammatit
- professor
intelligence officer
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Tilastot
- Teokset
- 47
- Jäseniä
- 588
- Suosituimmuussija
- #42,664
- Arvio (tähdet)
- 4.2
- Kirja-arvosteluja
- 3
- ISBN:t
- 149
This 1978 work of social science research supports the view that we have always had "elites", even (and especially) in societies which praise democracy and the values of pluralism. Develops the themes clearly shown by V.O. Key.
The authors scour the social sciences for data and proofs showing that support their view that "Democracy is very fragile." [369] Of the 200 nations in the world, no more than two dozen are democracies, and 4/5 of the population of the globe live under authoritarian regimes. Individual liberty is not maintained easily or broadly.
Still, it is not fatal to be governed by elites, and in fact we find no other more successful means of government.
The authors conclude that the biggest danger to individual liberty is the existence of concentrations of wealth and power in large technologically advanced institutions. [372]
After thoroughly detailing the history and scope of the problem, the authors ask "What can a student do?" First, lower expectations. Second, learn about the world, reexamining reality. Third, master the technology. Finally, "it is essential that you become familiar with the meaning of individual freedom and dignity throughout the ages". This is the quest.… (lisätietoja)