Graham Smith - Can Democracy Safeguard the Future?

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2 Title page Can Democracy Safeguard the Future? Graham Smith polity

3 Copyright page Copyright page Copyright © Graham Smith 2021 The right of Graham Smith to be identified as Author of this Work has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. First published in 2021 by Polity Press Polity Press 65 Bridge Street Cambridge CB2 1UR, UK Polity Press 101 Station Landing Suite 300 Medford, MA 02155, USA All rights reserved. Except for the quotation of short passages for the purpose of criticism and review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. ISBN-13: 978-1-5095-3924-6 ISBN-13: 978-1-5095-3925-3 (pb) A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Typeset in 11 on 15pt Sabon by Fakenham Prepress Solutions, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 8NN Printed and bound in Great Britain by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon The publisher has used its best endeavours to ensure that the URLs for external websites referred to in this book are correct and active at the time of going to press. However, the publisher has no responsibility for the websites and can make no guarantee that a site will remain live or that the content is or will remain appropriate. Every effort has been made to trace all copyright holders, but if any have been overlooked the publisher will be pleased to include any necessary credits in any subsequent reprint or edition. For further information on Polity, visit our website: politybooks.com

4 Acknowledgements Acknowledgements This book has been a long time coming. Short-term demands have got in the way of its completion. The irony is not lost on me. The ideas in this book emerged not only from academic conversations, but from political engagement. I am privileged to be the chair of the Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development and have had the pleasure of working with and learning from fellow trustees over a number of years. It does feel as if the policy window is slightly ajar. Whether we are able to force it open is another question. I would like to thank past and present trustees and associates for the inspiring conversations that have helped to develop my ideas. I can also thank future trustees, whoever you are, because the organisation will be necessary in the years to come. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to work closely with numerous impressive democratic practitioners and activists who, through their actions, have shaped my thinking about the potential for participation and deliberation. I am humbled also by fellow rebels in Extinction Rebellion, who inspire me with their courage and creativity in the face of the climate emergency. I have presented ideas in this book at numerous academic conferences and workshops. Thanks to everyone who has offered critical reflections. I would like to single out Michael Mackenzie for particular appreciation. Some years back, I had the good fortune to be a visiting scholar at the Ash Center at Harvard University at the same time as Michael. He had recently finished his PhD on future publics – a much revised version of which is soon to be published. Our long and inspiring conversations made me realise that I might have something to say on this topic. Finally, the greatest source of encouragement has been my family. Susan pushed me to work on the manuscript when other short-term commitments seemed more pressing. She is inspirational and my most supportive and loving critic. I dedicate this book to three wonderful representatives of the world to come: my niece Marianna and my nephews Alex and Matthew. It is their future and the future of those who follow them that is my most significant motivation.

5 1 Failing to Deal with the Long Term The drivers of democratic myopia Time to ditch democracy? Conclusion Notes

6 2 Reimagining Established Institutions The legislature Parliamentary committees Electoral rules The constitution Conclusion Notes

7 3 Bringing in an Independent Voice The Committee for Climate Change Israel Hungary Wales The promise of OFGs OFGs and the participation agenda Conclusion Notes

8 4 Deepening Democracy for the Long Term Designing participation for the long term The promise of deliberative mini-publics Critical voices Pragmatic or radical participatory governance? Conclusion Notes

9 Afterword: Democratic Design for Future Generations

10 Further Reading

11 End User License Agreement

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Graham Smith

polity

Copyright © Graham Smith 2021

The right of Graham Smith to be identified as Author of this Work has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

First published in 2021 by Polity Press

Polity Press

65 Bridge Street

Cambridge CB2 1UR, UK

Polity Press

101 Station Landing

Suite 300

Medford, MA 02155, USA

All rights reserved. Except for the quotation of short passages for the purpose of criticism and review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-1-5095-3924-6

ISBN-13: 978-1-5095-3925-3 (pb)

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.