Democracy and Its Alternatives

by Ethan Hollander (Author, Narrator)

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle called man a political animal. But what did he mean by that? What is democracy? How do democracies differ from one another? How do they stack up against their alternatives, like dictatorship? And can democracy survive the many challenges it faces today?

To answer these questions, look no further than Democracy and Its Alternatives. Political science, history, and current affairs rolled into one, these 24 lectures investigate democratic government in theory and practice. With political scientist Ethan Hollander as your expert guide, you will explore democracy from all available angles, embarking on an intensive intellectual journey that leaves no stone unturned. And you will do all of this with a robust toolbox of political philosophy, world history, international relations, individual case studies, and carefully constructed thought experiments.

From the provisioning of public goods to the enforcement of laws, learn about the role that governments play in our everyday lives. Reduce politics down to decision-making processes and see how these decisions can take shape with sharply constructed scenarios. Explore the differences between democracy and dictatorship, superpowers and failed states. Investigate democracy’s most dangerous flaws, from inefficiency and gridlock to the prospect of mob rule. Examine how democracies contend with problems like ethnic conflict, extremism, populism, polarization, power imbalances, and more. Dive into the theories that justify government and legitimize democracy. Zoom in and out of case studies across history and around the world to see how democracies differ from each other. And walk away armed with a foundational understanding of government, politics, and international relations.

8 hrs. 56 min.

Genres: Politics, History, Audiobook

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Maede · Rating 5 out of 5]

این دوره بدون شک از بهترین دوره‌های گریت کورسز هست که تا به حال گوش دادم. حقیقت اینه که من از نظر سیاسی‌ بی‌سوادم و نیاز به دونستن بیشتر در مورد نظام‌های سیاسی رو خیلی حس می‌کنم. این دوره سوال‌های اساسی‌ای رو‌ در این مورد جواب میده

آیا دموکراسی ماندگاره؟
فلسفه‌ی پشت استفاده از حکومت چیه؟
کی باید حق رای داشته باشه؟
آیا دموکراسی زیادی خطرناکه؟
ملی‌گرایی چیه؟
نظام ریاست جمهوری بهتره یا پارلمانی؟
آیا حزب‌های سیاسی کمک‌کننده هستند؟
دادگاه و قانون‌اساسی دموکراتیکه؟
آیا دیکتاتوری می‌تونه خوب باشه؟
چه چیزی واقعا باعث ثروت و فقر میشه؟
قفل‌های دموکراسی کجا اتفاق می‌افتند؟
آیا اتحادیه اروپا مهمه؟

علاوه بر محتوای خوب، با یک سخنران حرفه‌ای و منصف و یک درسنامه‌ی قوی با طراحی خوب هم طرفیم. حالا که دو ماه از تموم کردن این دوره گذشته، به کار اومدن دانشی که بهم داده رو در مطالعات دیگه‌م می‌بینم. فکر می‌کنم اسم «سیاست» و جمله‌ی من «من خیلی سیاسی نیستم» باعث میشه خیلی از ما سمت کسب اطلاعات در این مورد نریم. ولی کم‌کم دارم به اون جمله‌ی معروف می‌رسم که «همه چیز سیاسته» و نداشتن درک ازش، نداشتن درک از ساز و کار دنیاست

دوره رو می‌تونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books

۱۴۰۳/۳/۲۹

[Dennis Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Democracy and Its Alternatives by Ethan Hollander is a pretty good survey. It is also among the first one of these that I've come across where political science, and comparative politics in particular, was the main guiding theme for content. As such, this comes across as a type of undergraduate class that you might expect in any College of Arts and Sciences or Social Science in their political science or government departments. I found this refreshing, although I would say that the content doesn't quite live up to the title. This is a class on democracy, but the thread starts to get lost about halfway through as Hollander indulges in thematic forays into sub topics. While interesting on their own, when I think about what was on the cutting room floor, I'm left wondering why he chose this particular way to frame and outline his course. Still good though.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some good kernels of knowledge and wisdom with solid explanations about the differences in government systems and their histories, their features and benefits, their challenges and pitfalls. Definitely worth the time if you're interested in the subject.

[Ryan Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really excellent series. The lecturer is very engaging and makes his ideas very easily understood. Like a good political scientist, he presents a fairly balanced approach to the topic. Given the current state of political affairs, his lectures felt very timely.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating course about democracies and other forms of government. I have been really interested in politics lately, and this book further stoked my interest in how governments work and how people interact with and get involved in their governments. Great book if you like politics!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lecture set is a response to the January 6 problem in the USA. The lecturer explains the pros and cons of democracy and of other political systems.

[Bennett Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Nothing too surprising, but overall well done.