Democracy in Our Hands: Why It’s Worth Fighting For

"There’s no simple way to measure how strong a democracy is, or how weak."

Democracy is not just a system of government—it’s a living, breathing entity, shaped by the choices and actions of ordinary citizens. But what keeps it alive? And how do we sustain it in an era of rising inequality, political division, and disinformation?

Drawing from her experiences in post-war Japan and post-communist Poland, as well as the deep history of self-ruling societies from ancient Greece to Renaissance Florence, acclaimed political thinker Erica Benner challenges the myths of democratic stability. She explores urgent questions:

• What does equality mean in a world driven by wealth, power, and competition?
• How can we hold the powerful accountable in an age of eroding trust?
• Can we still find common ground to keep democracy functioning?

Far from a triumphant march toward freedom, Benner reveals that democracy is always fragile, vulnerable, and in need of constant renewal. With deep historical insight and contemporary urgency, Democracy in Our Hands is a compelling call to action, reminding us that preserving democracy is not someone else’s job—it’s ours.