Abstract | Keywords | Export | Availability | Bookmark

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

A contradictory creation indeed, the european Union (EU) has most of the institutions of a modern democracy, yet it does not function as one. Moreover, the growing scope of activity and supranational decision-making processes are undermining the legitimacy of democracy in its member states. Although much has been written about this double “democratic deficit”, surprisingly little thought has been given to what to do about it – short of drafting and ratifying a new federal constitution. In this provocative book, Philippe Schmitter explores both the possibility and the desirability of democratizing the EU. He argues that as a “non-state” and a “non-nation” it will have to invent new forms of citizenship, representation, and decision-making if it is ever to democratize itself. The author also contends that the timing and political context work against a full-scale constitutionalization of the process. He proposes a number of modest (and some less modest) reforms that could improve the situation in the near future and eventually lead to a genuine Euro-democracy

Political systems --- European Union --- Democratization --- Démocratisation --- European Union. --- 341.2422 --- Democratic consolidation --- Democratic transition --- Political science --- New democracies --- Démocratisation --- Democratization - European Union countries