Democracy and Its Alternatives

De: Ethan Hollander, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Ethan Hollander

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle called man a political animal. But what did he mean by that? What is democracy? How do democracies differ from one another? How do they stack up against their alternatives, like dictatorship? And can democracy survive the many challenges it faces today?

To answer these questions, look no further than Democracy and Its Alternatives. Political science, history, and current affairs rolled into one, these 24 lectures investigate democratic government in theory and practice. With political scientist Ethan Hollander as your expert guide, you will explore democracy from all available angles, embarking on an intensive intellectual journey that leaves no stone unturned. And you will do all of this with a robust toolbox of political philosophy, world history, international relations, individual case studies, and carefully constructed thought experiments.

From the provisioning of public goods to the enforcement of laws, learn about the role that governments play in our everyday lives. Reduce politics down to decision-making processes and see how these decisions can take shape with sharply constructed scenarios. Explore the differences between democracy and dictatorship, superpowers and failed states. Investigate democracy’s most dangerous flaws, from inefficiency and gridlock to the prospect of mob rule. Examine how democracies contend with problems like ethnic conflict, extremism, populism, polarization, power imbalances, and more. Dive into the theories that justify government and legitimize democracy. Zoom in and out of case studies across history and around the world to see how democracies differ from each other. And walk away armed with a foundational understanding of government, politics, and international relations.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

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Never too much

I really appreciated that the topic is always shifting and that it didn’t focus on one topic for too long.

Very informative

Very informative, easy to follow and covers a wide range of practical topics. Highly recommended.

Pretty good but pretty biased

Overall a good synthesis, clear explanations, from someone who is clearly a good teacher. Unfortunately a bit caricatural and biased. A cartoonish depiction of Russia, or of Victor Orban in Hungary. Or of right populist politicians in Europe. The crisis of western “liberal democracy”, its increasingly oligarchical nature and inability to respond to popular concerns about mass immigration or crime is unfortunately not discussed. As if nothing had happened in the last 25 years.

Informative, wide-ranging, and nuanced!

Examines in detail the advantages and disadvantages of democracy in contrast to other systems, how democracies differ from each other, as well as central banking, free trade, the European Union, gridlock, and the implications for these and others topics on democracy.

Very Informative

My interest in political science is elevated. I have a better understanding of current events and feel a little less ignorant about the process of democracy.

Worth the listen

There are some good kernels of knowledge and wisdom with solid explanations about the differences in government systems and their histories, their features and benefits, their challenges and pitfalls. Definitely worth the time if you're interested in the subject.

Illuminating

Thoroughly enjoyed this and learned much. Simple examples from everyday life make the concepts concrete

Excellent political theory detail

Enjoyed the excellent discussion on how democracy works and its alternatives. Nicely focused and succinct. A great listen.