Democracy againstitself

In this remarkable new book - as much a work of political philosophy as a meditation on current affairs - Jean-Francois Revel provides the first complete account of the startling events that have led to the revival of democracy throughout the world. Recalling the "euphoria" that swept the democratic countries after the fall of communism, Revel asks whether it was justified, and he concludes that we came much closer to losing the Cold War than many believe. Indeed, communism fell despite the weakness of the democratic front and the cynicism, self-hatred, and romantic illusions about revolution…