Direct Democracy: A Double-Edged Sword

Direct democracy typically is lauded for putting power in the hands of the people. But is it really as democratic as it seems? To what extent, and in what circumstances, is it less about citizen power and more about external influences seeking to manipulate outcomes? Addressing these issues, Shauna Reilly draws on and compares case studies of referendums, recall elections, and initiatives around the world to investigate the complex realities of direct democracy in action.

Direct democracy typically is lauded for putting power in the hands of the people. But is it really as democratic as it seems? To what extent, and in what circumstances, is it less about citizen power and more about external influences seeking to manipulate outcomes? Addressing these issues, Shauna Reilly draws on and compares case studies of referendums, recall elections, and initiatives around the world to investigate the complex realities of direct democracy in action

Power and manipulation in direct democracy -- Referendums : rare but powerful -- Recall elections : a mixed power -- Initiatives : true citizen power or facade? -- Federalism : power struggles -- Authoritarian governments : using democracy to limit citizen power -- The power of words : secession referendums -- The power of voters : creating and rejecting peace -- What's next?