Democracy and political violence / John Schwarzmantel.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 202-210) and index.

Conflict and community -- The forms and nature of political violence -- The state and violence -- Democracy and terrorism -- Ethnic and nationalist violence and democracy -- Violence and the installation of democracy -- Culture, violence and democracy -- Democracy in times of risk and uncertainty.

Democracy and Political Violence adopts a distinct perspective: that both community and conflict are at the heart of all but the smallest of democratic societies, and that they need to be reconciled in order for democracy to be successful. John Schwarzmantel applies democratic theory to the problem of creating a liberal democracy in a situation of conflict, violence and social division. Within this framework, the book focuses on the particular issue of the challenge posed by violence, both to established democracies and to the establishment of new democracies. He combines these theoretical arguments with real-world examples and case studies to show clearly the challenges that violence poses to liberal democracies. Key Features. Takes examples from East Timor, Kenya, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Iraq and France. Presents fresh arguments for the future conduct of liberal-democratic politics to meet new violent challenges