Democracy is so much a part of our Westernlives that it is easy to think it takes care of itself. But, amid political and financial turmoil, can we really afford to take it for granted any more? Whatexactly is democracy? Why should we value it? And could we do any better? ‘A wake-up call … Coggan wants to rouse us.’ Mark Mazower, Financial Times ‘His argument is that we have become simultaneously complacent and cynical about our political system and if we’re not careful might end up with our paradise paved.'David Aaronovitch, The Times 'A book that addresses universal questions'John Gray, New Statesman 'An admirably unexaggerated and even-handed consideration of the troubles that are besetting Western democracies.'Douglas Murray, Literary Review