Populism in the Civil Sphere

"Jeffrey Alexander and his collaborators have brought sociological insights drawn from political and social theory to bear on the study of populism. Alexander's bold new approach based on civil society theory addresses populism's central conundrum. How can populism manifest itself as both a left and right political phenomenon and how do we distinguish one form from the other? Populism and the Civil Sphere argues that a vibrant democracy depends on social solidarities that develop within a bounded public space of civic discourse. Within the civil sphere, politics can veer to the left or right--the radical to the conservative--without seriously threatening democracy. It is only when the center does not hold then extremism on left and right becomes a possibility. The seventeen exciting and theoretically linked case studies in this cogent and coherent anthology span the globe as they explore left and right variants of populism. This innovative collection is a must read for anyone inside and outside of the academy who seeks to understand the major political challenge of our time."
Mabel Berezin, Professor of Sociology, Cornell Mabel Berezin, Professor of Sociology, Cornell
 
"The vexed question of the relationship between populism and democracy here receives fresh, subtle, and compelling analysis. The contributors' thorough examination of cases in light of civil sphere theory tells a new and nuanced story: despite the threats to democracy it can unleash, populism can sometimes even contribute to the vital democratic task of civil repair."
John S. Dryzek, Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra
 
'an essential reference point for future studies of populism.'
European Journal of Social Theory