Politics Without Politicians

An argument for radically extending citizen power … worth reading for anyone interested in combating polarisation * Guardian *
A bold argument for citizen rule * Financial Times *
All around the world democracy is in crisis, and understanding why and developing solutions to the dwindling support for democratic institutions is one of our main challenges. This thought-provoking book argues that the solution is more democracy, not less. We need to bring the ‘shy people’ into politics and reduce the control of politicians, parties, and power brokers. This is a must read for anybody worried about the future of American and world politics – Daron Acemoglu, co-author of Power and Progress
Politics is too important to be left to politicians. A powerful argument for citizen rule—and for reimagining democracy beyond elites – Thomas Piketty, author of Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Drawing on ancient wisdom and modern experiments, Hélène Landemore envisions a system where ordinary citizens, selected by lot, step into power with humility and civic care. She brilliantly champions ‘bringing the shy people out,’ ensuring even the quietest voices shape our shared future. Vital, rigorous, and deeply inspiring – Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s first Minister of Digital Affairs and co-author of Plurality
Politics Without Politicians is a thrilling book. A reluctant populist, Hélène Landemore shows how ordinary citizens—in place of professional politicians—can govern with clarity and imagination. Over the course of this book, seemingly radical claims not only appear practical, but far more so than running our head into the same brick wall for another few decades – Zephyr Teachout, author of Corruption in America

Hélène Landemore is a political theorist and professor of political science at Yale University. She is the author of Open Democracy, an influential book that has shaped global debates about citizen participation and democratic legitimacy. Landemore has worked with governments, NGOs, and reformers around the world, from France and Finland to Chile and Taiwan. Her research has been featured in the New Yorker, Financial Times, and The Nation as well as on the Ezra Klein Show.

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