The Edinburgh Companion to the History of Democracy

Takes a fresh look at the history of democracy, broadening the traditional view with previously unexplored examples

This substantial reference work critically re-examines the history of democracy, from ancient history to possible directions it may take in the future. 44 chapters explore the origins of democracy and explore new – and sometimes surprising – examples from around the world.

Each of the 9 parts introduces the period, followed by 3 to 7 case studies.

Key Features

• The first book to study lesser-known histories of democracy alongside familiar examples
• Includes historical accounts from leading scholars that document the development of democratic practices in their area or epoch of interest
• Contributors include Jack Goody, John Keane, Larbi Sadiki, James Anderson, John Fisher and Seymour Drescher

Notes on Contributors

See the full list of contributors here (pdf)

Split into 9 parts

Part I: Pre-Classical Democracy

Pre-history o The Assyrians o Ancient India o Ancient China o Islam and Phoenicia

Part II: Classical Democracy

Early Greece and Sparta o Athens o Rome

Part III: Medieval Democracy

Islam o Venice o The Nordic Countries o Medieval Church

Part IV: Early Modern Period

English Parliament o Diggers and Levellers o Swiss Cantons o America o French Revolution

Part V: Contacts and Colonialisms

Africa o Native Americans o Australasia o Colonial Singapore

Part VI: National Movements

1808: South American Liberation o 1848: European Revolutions o 1919: After Versailles o 1945: Post WWII o 1989: Eastern Europe

Part VII: Peoples’ Movements

Anti-Slavery o Women’s Suffrage o Socialism, Communism, Anarchism o Civil Rights

Part VIII: Democracy Today

Anti-Apartheid in South Africa o ‘Rose Revolution’ in Georgia o Iraq o Bolivia o Burma o Chinese Local Democratisation o Islam since 9/11

Part IX: Futures and Possibilities

Transnational Democracy o Digital Democracy o Deliberative Democracy o Democracy Promotion o Radical Democracy o Democracy: New Thinking About an Old Ideal