Drawing on historical evidence, comparative research, and case illustrations, it demonstrates that commonly repeated claims—such as that democracy cannot be defined, that it was born in ancient Athens, that it is only for Western countries, that it is ineffective, or that it is in terminal decline—rest on shaky foundations. In a clear, accessible, and research-based style, the authors show how these myths distort our understanding of democracy and exaggerate its vulnerabilities – challenging doomsday accounts of democracy to offer a more balanced, historically informed perspective. While not ignoring real challenges such as populism, polarisation, and authoritarian pushback, the book emphasises that the core promise of democracy—the peaceful transfer of power through elections—remains unmatched as a tool to secure peace, freedom, and progress. It is thus both a myth-buster and a treatise in defence of democracy.

This book is of key interest to scholars and students of democracy, and more broadly, to readers interested in international relations, comparative politics, and history.

Authors
The book is written by Jørgen Møller and Svend-Erik Skaaning. 

Find more information about the book at Seven Myths about Democracy - 1st Edition - Jørgen Møller - Svend-Er

Open access Seven Myths about Democracy | Jørgen Møller, Svend-Erik Skaaning | Tay.

Critics' reviews

"This provocative book provides a great service to scholars and the broader public by convincingly debunking several misconceptions that depict modern democracy as seriously limited or in terminal decline. By countering global alarmism, Møller and Skaaning, in their admirably wide-ranging discussion, offer a balanced assessment of the current conditions and future prospects of political liberalism. Highly recommended!"

Kurt Weyland, University of Texas at Austin, USA

"Drawing on their vast historical and empirical knowledge, as well as conceptual and theoretical expertise, Jørgen Møller and Svend-Erik Skaaning have written a very insightful and brilliantly communicated book about democracy. Summed up as responses to seven myths, the book provides a much-needed corrective to current (and past) discourses about democracy, its origins, feebleness, ineffectiveness, and suitability across different contexts. Democracy is not on the brink of disappearing, despite recent troubles. And, contrary to widespread views, it is neither an inherent “western” mode of governance nor does it spell trouble for social and economic development. This book deserves to be widely read, and its insights and messages should be taken to heart both by academics and policymakers working with democracy-related questions."

Carl Henrik Knutsen, University of Oslo, Norway