Smarter than We Look: Review of 'The Confidence Trap' by David Runciman

7 Pages Posted: 23 Aug 2014 Last revised: 11 Nov 2015

See all articles by Alasdair S. Roberts

Alasdair S. Roberts

University of Massachusetts Amherst - School of Public Policy

Date Written: August 21, 2014

Abstract

Review of "The Democracy Trap" by David Runciman. Readers may be confused about the purpose of David Runciman's book, The Confidence Trap. The title suggests a critique of the world's established democracies. "I believe we are in trouble," Runciman says in the preface. The established democracies face several fundamental challenges, and "it is not clear that [they] are doing well in meeting any of them." On close inspection, though, Runciman's apprehensions prove to be overstated -- and what is left is a muted but still positive appraisal of democratic governance.

Suggested Citation

Roberts, Alasdair S., Smarter than We Look: Review of 'The Confidence Trap' by David Runciman (August 21, 2014). Acta Politica, Forthcoming, Suffolk University Law School Research Paper No. 14-38, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2484914

Alasdair S. Roberts (Contact Author)

University of Massachusetts Amherst - School of Public Policy ( email )

Thompson Hall
Amherst, MA 01003
United States
6175999029 (Phone)

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