Why Politics Fails

Meer over het boek

Why do the revolving doors of power often leave us disappointed? In this insightful work, award-winning Oxford professor Ben Ansell argues that the issue lies not with politicians but with our collective goals, which lead us into five political 'traps.' First, democracy: while we desire a voice in governance, achieving a true 'will of the people' proves elusive. Second, equality: our wish for equal treatment conflicts with the reality that equal rights and outcomes can undermine one another. Third, solidarity: we seek a safety net in tough times, yet often prioritize solidarity only when we are personally affected. Fourth, security: we want protection from harm, but not at the cost of our freedoms. Lastly, prosperity: our desire for immediate wealth can jeopardize long-term economic health. These self-interests hinder our ability to achieve collective goals and reinforce each other, leading to a polarized democracy that exacerbates inequality, a weakened safety net that increases crime, and climate change that threatens global stability. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, Ansell employs groundbreaking research to illustrate how we can navigate these political traps. He emphasizes that while politics is inevitable, it doesn't have to result in failure.