A WORLD OF INSECURITY Hardcover

"A World of Insecurity: Democratic Disenchantment in Rich and Poor Countries" by Pranab Bardhan is a profound and timely analysis of the global retreat of liberal democracy. Challenging the common assumption that rising inequality is the primary cause of this phenomenon, Bardhan argues that a deeper, more pervasive sense of insecurity—both financial and cultural— is at its root. Drawing on diverse examples from the United States to India and Europe, he shows how fear of losing what one has (be it economic stability, national pride, or traditional values) drives anti-democratic sentiments across varied demographics. The book offers context-sensitive policy responses, while also urging liberals to acknowledge and respect local attachments to temper cultural anxieties before they become pathological, ultimately advocating for a more robust and inclusive vision for democracy.