What is democracy? How do we know when we have it? Is liberal democracy merely one, or the only, version of democracy.

"This collection brings together a decade of original thinking on the nature of democracy and human rights. With brilliance and clarity Beetham demonstrates the power of his unique approach to the integration of normative and empirical political analysis." Kevin Boyle, Human Rights Centre, University of Essex

"David Beetham's writings on democracy have long been recognized for their acute combination of normative and institutional concerns, but this collection makes clearer than ever the driving force behind his work. Never one to shelter behind notions of essential contestation or irresoluble difference, he brings an exemplary clarity to the understanding of democracy and human rights and addresses the conditions under which these can thrive. This book cuts through much current confusion. In doing so, it provides us with many of the tools we need to make our democracies work." Anne Phillips, London School of Economics and Political Science

David Beetham is Professor of Politics and Director of the Centre of Democratization Studies at the University of Leeds.

Preface and Acknowledgements.

1. Defining and Justifying Democracy.

Some Conditions for Democracy.

2. Liberal Democracy and the Limits of Democratization.

3. Market Economy and Democratic Polity.

4. Conditions for Democratic Consolidation.

Democracy and Human Rights.

5. Human Rights and Democracy: a Multi-faceted Relationship.

6. What future for Economic and Social Rights?.

7. Human Rights as a Model for Cosmopolitan Democracy.

Auditing Democracy.

8. Key Principles and Indices for a Democratic Audit.

9. Democratic Criteria for Electoral Systems.

Notes.

Index.