Adam Przeworski, one of the most influential political scientists, addresses a fundamental paradox of democracy in his book Democracy and the Limits of Self-Government (2010): the tension between democratic ideals and political reality. On the one hand, democracy is founded on principles of public participation, representation, and equality. On the other hand, it operates within institutional, economic, and social constraints that prevent it from fully delivering on its promises.
Przeworski identifies four fundamental principles of democracy: equality, participation, representation, and liberty. These principles form the cornerstone of democratic governance, yet he highlights the challenges in fully implementing them. For instance, while political participation is meant to be universal, numerous barriers—economic, educational, structural, and sometimes deliberately political—limit citizens’ ability to actively engage in decision-making processes.
A central discussion in the book revolves around the democratic decision-making process. Przeworski argues that although democracy is based on the idea of popular rule, in practice, citizens often make decisions that do not necessarily align with their own interests. This issue arises from the fact that democracies rely on knowledge and information, which are not distributed equally. As a result, certain groups—typically those with wealth and influence—are able to shape public discourse and steer decision-making in ways that serve their interests.
Another critical point Przeworski raises is the role of the market within democracy. While free economies are often perceived as complementary to democratic systems, he demonstrates how markets do not always function in ways that promote equality and participation. The economic power of corporations and private entities can distort the political process, creating a reality in which democracy exists primarily in form rather than substance—present on paper but far from being fully realized.
Przeworski does not limit himself to critique; he also proposes paths for improvement. He argues that to bridge the gap between ideal democracy and political reality, mechanisms for fair representation must be strengthened, a balance between economic interests and the public good must be maintained, and broader political education and information dissemination must be ensured. In this sense, he issues a call to action: democracy is not merely a system of laws and institutions but an ongoing struggle to realize its foundational principles.
Przeworski’s book serves as both a reminder of democracy’s importance and a warning about the challenges it faces. In doing so, he provides not only a theoretical analysis but also a framework for critical reflection on the political systems in which we live.
