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We have politics on our mind—or, rather, we have politics in
different parts of our brains. In this path-breaking study, Matt
Qvortrup takes the reader on a whistle stop tour through the
fascinating, and sometimes frightening, world of neuropolitics; the
discipline that combines neuroscience and politics, and is even
being used to win elections. Putting the 'science' back into
political science, The Political Brain shows how
fMRI-scans can identify differences between Liberals and
Conservatives, can predict our behaviour with sometimes greater
accuracy than surveys, and can explain the biology of uprisings,
revolutions, and wars. Not merely a study of empirical evidence,
the book shows how the philosophical theories of, among others,
Plato, Aristotle, and Spinoza can be supported by brain scans.
Along the way, it also provides an overview of the state-of-the-art
knowledge of the organ that shapes our politics. The book shows
that if we rely on evolutionary primitive parts of the
midbrain—those engaged when we succumb to polarised politics—we
stand in danger of squandering the gains we made through the last
eight million years.
Vernon Bogdanor once told The Guardian that he made 'a living of
something that doesn't exist'. He also quipped that the British
Constitution can be summed up in eight words: 'Whatever the Queen
in Parliament decides is law.' That may still be the case, yet in
many ways the once elusive British Constitution has now become much
more grounded, much more tangible and much more based on written
sources than was previously the case. It now exists in a way in
which it previously did not. However, though the changes may seem
revolutionary, much of the underlying structure remains unchanged;
there are limits to the changes. Where does all this leave the
Constitution? Here constitutional experts, political scientists and
legal practitioners present up-to-date and in-depth commentaries on
their respective areas of expertise. While also a Festschrift in
honour of Vernon Bogdanor, this book is above all a comprehensive
compendium on the present state of the British Constitution. 'The
new constitutional politics has spawned a new constitutional
scholarship. This stimulating collection, skilfully put together by
Matt Qvortrup, works both as a welcome snapshot of where we are now
and as an expert audit, from specialists in law, history and
political science, of the deeper issues and of the complex dynamics
of continuity and change in the ongoing refashioning of Britain's
constitutional architecture.' Kevin Theakston, Professor of British
Government, University of Leeds 'The highly distinguished team of
scholars assembled by Matt Qvortrup has produced a deeply
thought-provoking collection on the profound constitutional changes
that have occurred in the UK over the last twenty years. A book
worthy of reaching a very wide readership.' Roger Scully, Professor
of Political Science, Cardiff University 'Vernon Bogdanor
understands like few others the connections between history,
politics and institutions - and that is what makes him such an
authority on the British system of government.' The Rt Hon David
Cameron MP, Prime Minister 'I think Vernon's guiding principle at
Brasenose was to treat all his students as if they might one day be
Prime Minister. At the time, I thought this was a bit over the top,
but then a boy studying PPE at Brasenose two years beneath me
became Prime Minister.' Toby Young, The Spectator
Direct democracy makes you richer. Research shows that the average
citizen earns nearly a $1000 for every referendum held, and that a
strong correlation exists between the frequency of referendums and
a GDP per capita. Referendums can also improve the quality of
democracy. So why don't we see more? Drawing on a three decades of
research, Qvortrup presents a definitive statement on the benefits
and history referendums, including examples of how this instrument
of democracy has been both utilised and abused. The book outlines
the history of referendums, explains when politicians have
submitted issues to the voters, why these votes have been won or
lost - and ultimately why it matters. Uniquely, the book also
examines the role of social media in referendum campaigns and make
suggestions for improving the process of direct democracy Written
in a lucid style by one of the world's leading experts on
referendums, Democracy on demand is a timely reminder of the
importance of democracy in our politics, offering new insights into
how direct democracy can both improve our lives and at the same
time strengthen our societies. -- .
This book examines the theoretical and practical relevance and
challenges of the consociationalist model of democracy. Since the
publication of the Politics of Accommodation (1968) and Democracy
in Plural Societies (1977) Professor Lijphart's theories and
practical implementations have played a key role in establishing
enduring peace settlements. In this edited volume, scholars and
Professor Lijphart himself critically examine the history of
consocationalism and its application in areas including Northern
Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Colombia. The book will be
essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students of
political science, comparative politics, transitional justice and
peace studies. It will also be of use to practitioners ranging from
diplomats to NGOs who are interested in the practical application
of tested models of political accommodation.
Surveying all referendums around the world since 1793, Dr Qvortrup
and contributors provide a thorough account of why and when
citizens have been asked to vote on policy issues. Referendums
Around the World is essential reading for political scientists and
others interested in direct democracy as well as representative
government.
Are you fed up with the divided and unequal society or suffocating
laws and regulations of the country where you live? Ever dreamed of
starting your own country or just want to understand how that
happens? In this refreshing new book, Matt Qvortrup provides a
step-by-step guide to forming an independent country, from
organising a referendum and winning it, to receiving official
international recognition, establishing a currency and even
entering the Eurovision song contest. The book delves into the
legal, economic and political problems of creating new states,
using historical examples and anecdotes from all over the world to
illustrate the obstacles to these campaigns. Qvortrup recounts his
globetrotting experiences as an expert consultant on referendums to
give a no-nonsense explanation of the many hurdles and barriers, as
well as the opportunities for those who want to break free. -- .
The aim of this short book is to understand which countries do well
on key indicators and why. After a short philosophical and
historical survey of the literature to put the book into context,
the Better-Place Index is developed. This is subsequently tested
against a number of policy variables, such as levels of taxation,
immigration, and democratic institutions, and other measures. The
book provides statistical evidence that these factors are
correlated with higher scores on the Better Place Index.
Although referendums have been used for centuries to settle
ethnonational conflicts, there had yet been no systematic study or
generalized theory concerning their effectiveness until Matt
Qvortrup's Referendums and Ethnic Conflict. Qvortrup's study filled
the gap with a comparative and empirical analysis of all the
referendums held on ethnic and national issues from the French
Revolution to the 2012 referendum on statehood for Puerto Rico.
Drawing on political theory and descriptive case studies, the
scholar created typologies of referendums that are held to endorse
secession, redraw disputed borders, legitimize a policy of
homogenization, or otherwise manage ethnic or national differences.
He considered the circumstances that compel politicians to resort
to direct democracy, such as regime change, and the conditions that
might exacerbate a violent response. Qvortrup offers a clear-eyed
assessment of the problems raised when conflict resolution is
sought through referendum as well as the conditions that are likely
to lead to peaceful outcomes. This updated and revised edition
includes a new introduction bringing the general field to the
present, as well as new specific sections on Scotland (2014),
Catalonia (2017), and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom (2016).
The original work's political framework now also covers the
literature on identity politics, online campaigning, the regulation
of social media, and how referendums are used increasingly as
populist devices. This edition also updates referendum results
through the end of 2020.
We live in an age of democracy. Very few people challenge the
virtues of 'government by the people', yet politicians and
commentators are fond of decrying the 'crisis of democracy'. How do
these views square up? This book provides the answer by surveying
the philosophical history of democracy and its critics and by
analysing empirical data about citizen participation in Britain and
other developed democracies. In addition to analysis of major
political thinkers like Plato, Machiavelli and J.S. Mill, the book
analyses how modern technology has influenced democracy. Among the
issues discussed in the book are why people vote and what
determines their decisions, what prompts citizen involvement in
riots and demonstrations, whether spin doctors and designer
politics pose a threat to democracy and the influence of mass media
on our political behaviour. More than merely providing an overview,
the book also presents original analyses of timely issues such as
referendums and the consequences of postal voting. An essential
book for students of politics, history and media studies, this
study puts the debate about democracy into perspective and offers a
solid grounding for future discussions. -- .
This exciting new text presents the first overview of Jean Jacques
Rousseau's work from a political science perspective. Was
Rousseau--the great theorist of the French Revolution--really a
conservative? This original study argues that the he was a
constitutionalist much closer to Madison, Montesquieu, and Locke
than to revolutionaries. Outlining his profound opposition to
Godless materialism and revolutionary change, this book finds
parallels between Rousseau and Burke, as well as showing how
Rousseau developed the first modern theory of nationalism. The book
presents an integrated political analysis of Rousseau's
educational, ethical, religious and political writings, and will be
essential reading for students of politics, philosophy and the
history of ideas. -- .
Over the last 30 years referendums have played an increasingly
important role in determining government policy. Recent high
profile referendums in Scotland, Catalonia and Ukraine have
continued the movement towards independence referendums following
decolonization and the end of the Cold War. The Greek bailout
referendum and Britain's vote on membership of the EU reflect a
tradition of European states giving their people a direct say in
the transfer of sovereign powers to the European Union seen through
the ratification of key treaties such as Maastricht, Amsterdam,
Nice and Lisbon. This Routledge Handbook covers key aspects and
issues of direct democracy and referendums throughout the world
including: *their history; *when, why, where, how and on which
issues referendums are held; *why some referendums are more
democratic than others; *how referendums are won; *whether they
produce good policies; *if referendums increase participation and
improve the quality of representative democracies; *do referendums
increase trust in democracy and the political actors; *the impact
of new technology on the possibilities, methods and frequency of
direct public political participation; *how they should be
regulated. Covering other related areas such as recall, citizen
juries and random selection, this compendium is an indispensable
guide to referendums and the workings of modern democracy.
Over the last 30 years referendums have played an increasingly
important role in determining government policy. Recent high
profile referendums in Scotland, Catalonia and Ukraine have
continued the movement towards independence referendums following
decolonization and the end of the Cold War. The Greek bailout
referendum and Britain's vote on membership of the EU reflect a
tradition of European states giving their people a direct say in
the transfer of sovereign powers to the European Union seen through
the ratification of key treaties such as Maastricht, Amsterdam,
Nice and Lisbon. This Routledge Handbook covers key aspects and
issues of direct democracy and referendums throughout the world
including: *their history; *when, why, where, how and on which
issues referendums are held; *why some referendums are more
democratic than others; *how referendums are won; *whether they
produce good policies; *if referendums increase participation and
improve the quality of representative democracies; *do referendums
increase trust in democracy and the political actors; *the impact
of new technology on the possibilities, methods and frequency of
direct public political participation; *how they should be
regulated. Covering other related areas such as recall, citizen
juries and random selection, this compendium is an indispensable
guide to referendums and the workings of modern democracy.
Should citizens be allowed to propose legislation? Should they even
be allowed to recall politicians if they do not live up to their
expectations? These questions and many others form the subject of
this timely book. In addition to presenting an up to date review of
the empirical literature, Direct democracy provides a survey of the
political philosophers who have theorised about this subject. It is
the central tenet in the book that the demand for direct democracy
is a consequence of the demand for more consumer choices. Like
consumers want individualised products, so voters want
individualised and bespoke policies. Described by the BBC as "The
world's leading expert on referendums", the author, Matt Qvortrup,
draws on his experience as a political advisor to the US State
Department, as well as his extensive academic knowledge of direct
democracy. -- .
Referendums are ubiquitous; from Brexit in the United Kingdom in
2016 to same-sex marriage in Australia in 2017 Why are referendums
held at all? And when they are held, why are they won or lost?
Moreover, what are the consequences of having referendums? Do they
strengthen or weaken democracy? Are they mainly won or mainly lost
or do they strengthen populist leaders? Or, are referendums a
shield against demagogues and overeager politicians? Government by
Referendum analyses why politicians sometime submit issues to the
people Based on an historical analysis, but with an emphasis on the
last two decades, the book shows that referendums often have been
lost by powerful politicians. While sometimes used by autocrats,
mechanisms of direct democracy have increasingly performed the
function of democratic constitutional safeguards in developed
democracies. -- .
Democracy is on the run, and elected governments are suffering from
a legitimacy crisis. Legislatures are increasingly seen as
unrepresentative. To give legitimacy to democratic government,
experts argue that we need more democracy and more opportunities
for direct citizen participation. Representative democracy needs to
be complemented by forms of direct engagement, such as referendums,
popular votes, the recall, citizens' juries, eDemocracy, etc. This
is what we term Complementary Democracy. In this book experts from
the worlds of practice and theory come together to explain - and
occasionally critique - these complements to representative
democracy. The volume provides an invaluable starting point for
anyone who wants to know more about the new directions of
democratic governance, and hopes to inspire those who seek to build
stronger democracies.
Direct democracy makes you richer. Research shows that the average
citizen earns nearly a $1000 for every referendum held, and that a
strong correlation exists between the frequency of referendums and
a GDP per capita. Referendums can also improve the quality of
democracy. So why don't we see more? Drawing on a three decades of
research, Qvortrup presents a definitive statement on the benefits
and history referendums, including examples of how this instrument
of democracy has been both utilised and abused. The book outlines
the history of referendums, explains when politicians have
submitted issues to the voters, why these votes have been won or
lost - and ultimately why it matters. Uniquely, the book also
examines the role of social media in referendum campaigns and make
suggestions for improving the process of direct democracy Written
in a lucid style by one of the world's leading experts on
referendums, Democracy on demand is a timely reminder of the
importance of democracy in our politics, offering new insights into
how direct democracy can both improve our lives and at the same
time strengthen our societies. -- .
This revised and expanded edition analyses the factors conducive to
holding independence and secession referendums, to winning these
votes and to their status in domestic and international law. Taking
into account the votes in Catalonia and Scotland, the book shows
that votes on secession and independence are not a passing
phenomenon but an important part of international politics. The
book includes an overview of the history of referendums on
independence and a summary of the legal issues involved in doing
so, as well as a chapter on referendums in unrecognised states and
case-study chapters exploring referendums in Kosovo, Cyprus,
Kurdistan and Somaliland amongst others. By considering the ethical
arguments for secession and recognition, the legal norms governing
the process, and the positive and political science theory of when
would-be states succeed in becoming recognised by the international
community, it shows the role of referendums in the process of
establishing new states, and, as a corollary, their role (if any)
in winning international recognition for these states. This book
will be of interest to all scholars and students of political
science, law and even philosophy.
This revised and expanded edition analyses the factors conducive to
holding independence and secession referendums, to winning these
votes and to their status in domestic and international law. Taking
into account the votes in Catalonia and Scotland, the book shows
that votes on secession and independence are not a passing
phenomenon but an important part of international politics. The
book includes an overview of the history of referendums on
independence and a summary of the legal issues involved in doing
so, as well as a chapter on referendums in unrecognised states and
case study chapters exploring referendums in Kosovo, Cyprus,
Kurdistan and Somaliland amongst others. By considering the ethical
arguments for secession and recognition, the legal norms governing
the process, and the positive and political science theory of when
would-be states succeed in becoming recognized by the international
community, it shows the role of referendums in the process of
establishing new states, and, as a corollary, their role (if any)
winning international recognition for these states. This book will
be of interest to all scholars and students of political science,
law and even philosophy.
Although referendums have been used for centuries to settle
ethnonational conflicts, there had yet been no systematic study or
generalized theory concerning their effectiveness until Matt
Qvortrup's Referendums and Ethnic Conflict. Qvortrup's study filled
the gap with a comparative and empirical analysis of all the
referendums held on ethnic and national issues from the French
Revolution to the 2012 referendum on statehood for Puerto Rico.
Drawing on political theory and descriptive case studies, the
scholar created typologies of referendums that are held to endorse
secession, redraw disputed borders, legitimize a policy of
homogenization, or otherwise manage ethnic or national differences.
He considered the circumstances that compel politicians to resort
to direct democracy, such as regime change, and the conditions that
might exacerbate a violent response. Qvortrup offers a clear-eyed
assessment of the problems raised when conflict resolution is
sought through referendum as well as the conditions that are likely
to lead to peaceful outcomes. This updated and revised edition
includes a new introduction bringing the general field to the
present, as well as new specific sections on Scotland (2014),
Catalonia (2017), and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom (2016).
The original work's political framework now also covers the
literature on identity politics, online campaigning, the regulation
of social media, and how referendums are used increasingly as
populist devices. This edition also updates referendum results
through the end of 2020.
Surveying all referendums around the world since 1793, Dr Qvortrup
and contributors provide a thorough account of why and when
citizens have been asked to vote on policy issues. Referendums
Around the World is essential reading for political scientists and
others interested in direct democracy as well as representative
government.
This book examines the theoretical and practical relevance and
challenges of the consociationalist model of democracy. Since the
publication of the Politics of Accommodation (1968) and Democracy
in Plural Societies (1977) Professor Lijphart's theories and
practical implementations have played a key role in establishing
enduring peace settlements. In this edited volume, scholars and
Professor Lijphart himself critically examine the history of
consocationalism and its application in areas including Northern
Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Colombia. The book will be
essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students of
political science, comparative politics, transitional justice and
peace studies. It will also be of use to practitioners ranging from
diplomats to NGOs who are interested in the practical application
of tested models of political accommodation.
Until recently, referendums were little used. After the Scottish
independence and Brexit referendums, they have come to the fore as
a mechanism with the potential to disrupt the status quo and
radically change political direction. This book looks at the
historical development of the referendum, its use in different
jurisdictions, and the types of constitutional questions it seeks
to address. Written in an engaging style, the book offers a clear,
objective overview of this important political and constitutional
tool.
Putting the current crisis of democracy into historical
perspective, Death by a Thousand Cuts chronicles how would-be
despots, dictators, and outright tyrants have finessed the
techniques of killing democracies earlier in history, in the 20th
Century, and how today's autocrats increasingly continue to do so
in the 21st. It shows how autocratic government becomes a
kleptocracy, sustained only to enrich the ruler and his immediate
family. But the book also addresses the problems of being a
dictator and considers if dictatorships are successful in
delivering public policies, and finally, how autocracies break
down. We tend to think of democratic breakdowns as dramatic events,
such as General Pinochet's violent coup in Chile, or Generalissimo
Franco's overthrow of the Spanish Republic. But this is not how
democracies tend to die - only five percent of democracies end like
this. Most often, popular government is brought down gradually;
almost imperceptibly. Based in part on Professor Qvortrup's BBC
Programme Death by a Thousand Cuts (Radio-4, 2019), the book shows
how complacency is the greatest danger for the survival of
government by the people. Recently democratically elected
politicians have used crises as a pretext for dismantling
democracy. They follow a pattern we have seen in all democracies
since the dawn of civilisation. The methods used by Octavian in the
dying days of the Roman Republic were almost identical to those
used by Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban in 2020. And, sadly, there
are no signs that the current malaise will go away. Death by a
Thousand Cuts adds substance to a much-discussed topic: the threat
to democracy. It provides evidence and historical context like no
other book on the market. Written in an accessible style with
vignettes as well as new empirical data, the books promises to be
the defining book on the topic. This book will help readers who are
concerned about the longevity of democracy understand when and why
democracy is in danger of collapsing, and alert them to the warning
signs of its demise.
Until recently, referendums were little used. After the Scottish
independence and Brexit referendums, they have come to the fore as
a mechanism with the potential to disrupt the status quo and
radically change political direction. This book looks at the
historical development of the referendum, its use in different
jurisdictions, and the types of constitutional questions it seeks
to address. Written in an engaging style, the book offers a clear,
objective overview of this important political and constitutional
tool.
Vernon Bogdanor once told the Guardian that he made 'a living of
something that doesn't exist'. He also quipped that the British
Constitution can be summed up in eight words: 'Whatever the Queen
in Parliament decides is law'. That may still be the case, yet in
many ways the once elusive British Constitution has now become much
more grounded, much more tangible and much more based on written
sources than was previously the case. It now exists in a way in
which it previously did not. However, though the changes may seem
revolutionary, much of the underlying structure remains unchanged;
there are limits to the changes. Where does all this leave the
Constitution? Here constitutional experts, political scientists and
legal practitioners present up-to-date and in-depth commentaries on
their respective areas of expertise. While also a Festschrift in
honour of Vernon Bogdanor, this book is above all a comprehensive
compendium on the present state of the British Constitution. 'The
highly distinguished team of scholars assembled by Matt Qvortrup
has produced a deeply thought-provoking collection on the profound
constitutional changes that have occurred in the UK over the last
twenty years. A book worthy of reaching a very wide readership'.
Roger Scully, Professor of Political Science, Cardiff University
'Vernon Bogdanor understands like few others the connections
between history, politics and institutions - and that is what makes
him such an authority on the British system of government.' The Rt
Hon David Cameron MP, Prime Minister ' ... a must read [which]
deserves a place on the bookshelf of any novice or experienced
constitutional explorer'. Dr Louise Thompson, Democratic Audit 'If
you have a serious interest in the recent development of the
constitution, and want an understanding of the way Britain is
governed which doesn't start and end with Dicey, this book will
reward your curiosity'. David Green, Progress 'A good book' Philip
Murray, Cambridge Law Journal 'L'intitule des Melanges Bogdanor
condense, avec une simplicite magistrale, les caracteristiques
essentielles de la construction britannique'. Iris Nguyen-Duy,
Revue Francaise de droit constitutionnel A highly valuable and
highly readable contribution to the scholarly debate about the UK
constitution'. Peter Munce, Political Studies Review
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