Specially compiled for students, this invaluable reader gathers key statements from political thinkers, explained and contextualised with editorial commentaries. Arranged into four sections - Traditional Affirmations of Democracy, Key Concepts, Critiques of Democracy and Contemporary Issues it covers democratic thinking in a remarkably broad way. New for this edition: Substantially updated to reflect the changing circumstances of democracy in our modern, interconnected and conflict-ridden world. Contains a new introduction and 29 new readings published since the first edition. New sections on globalisation, religion, information technology and violence.