"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 ... Read morecombination 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 Show Less