Why read Contention and Democracy in Europe, 1650-2000?

Book cover of Contention and Democracy in Europe, 1650-2000

Book description

Contention and Democracy in Europe, 1650-2000, first published in 2004, is an analysis of the relationship between democratization and contentious politics that builds upon the model set forth in the pathbreaking book, Dynamics of Contention. Using a sustained comparison of French and British histories since 1650 or so as a…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Contention and Democracy in Europe, 1650-2000 as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Raphaël Franck

Author

I like how Tilly's book emphasizes how democracy was often the outcome of popular protest.

Its analysis is careful enough to note that such protest could be peaceful or violent, as well as spontaneous or planned. As such, this book does not provide sweeping generalizations for the development of democratic institutions, and sometimes for their demise.

And its last chapter provides food for thought regarding democratization outside of Europe.

From Raphaël's list on The best books about revolutions and democratization.