This book critically examines the realities of liberal democracy; its elitism and non-accountability; and its inequalities and injustices. Participatory systems and movements, whether in Athens, seventeenth and nineteenth century England, or South Africa 1970-1990, are more effective in satisfying the democratic aspirations of the people and in curtailing ambitious elites, than what is passed off now as 'democracy'. By interrogating contemporary democratic regimes, in the United States, and in Botswana and South Africa, the severe limitations and constraints inherent in liberal democracy are highlighted. The need for a clear evaluation of what constituted democracy emerges as a powerful message of Kenneth Good's argument.

Autorentext

KENNETH GOOD is Professor of Political Studies at the University of Botswana, Gaborone. His publications include Development and Dependence: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea (with Amarshi and Mortimer), Articulated Agricultural Development (with Donaldson) and Realizing Democracy in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. He has also contributed articles to several journals.

Inhalt

Preface PART I: BOTSWANA Autocratic Elites and Enfeebled Masses: Africa, Botswana and South Africa Routinized Injustice: The Situation of the San in Botswana PART II: UNITED STATES The Liberal Capitalist Paradigm: Elitism and Injustice in the United States PART III: SOUTH AFRICA Elitism's Place in the ANC Universalizing an Incomplete Predominance Predominance and the Empowerment Goose PART IV: FROM ANCIENT TO FUTURE WORLDS Participatory Democracy: The Reality and the Continuing Aspiration: Athens, Britain and South Africa The Unending Struggle Index