{"product_id":"the-shortest-history-of-democracy-4-000-years-of-self-government-a-retelling-for-our-times-the-shortest-history-series","title":"The Shortest History of Democracy: 4,000 Years of Self-Government―A Retelling for Our Times (The Shortest History Series)","description":"The full chronological sweep of democracy, from the assemblies of ancient Mesopotamia and Athens to present perils around the globe. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.\nThis compact history unspools the tumultuous global story that began with democracy’s radical core idea: We can collaborate, as equals, to determine our own futures. Acclaimed political thinker John Keane traces how this concept emerged and evolved, from the earliest “assembly democracies” in Syria-Mesopotamia to European-style “electoral democracy” and to our uncertain present.\n\nToday, thanks to our always-on communication channels, governments answer not only to voters on Election Day but to intense scrutiny every day. This is “monitory democracy”―in Keane’s view, the most complex and vibrant model yet―but it’s not invulnerable. Monitory democracy comes with its own pathologies, and the new despotism wields powerful warning systems, from social media to election monitoring, against democracy itself.\n\nAt this urgent moment, when despots in countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia reject the promises of democratic power-sharing, Keane mounts a bold defense of a precious global ideal.\nThe Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.\n45 B\u0026amp;W maps and images\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1615198962\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: DBV.1615198962.A\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Acceptable\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Keane, John\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: This copy has clearly been enjoyed—expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong, and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dream Books Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41622360555578,"sku":"DBV.1615198962.A","price":8.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/6011\/0138\/files\/1615198962-0.jpg?v=1787975156","url":"https:\/\/shop.dreambooksco.com\/products\/the-shortest-history-of-democracy-4-000-years-of-self-government-a-retelling-for-our-times-the-shortest-history-series","provider":"Dream Books Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}