"Historical accounts of democracy's rise tend to focus on ancient Greece and pre-Renaissance Europe. The Decline and Rise of Democracy draws from global evidence to show that the story is much richer--democratic practices were present in many places, at many other times, from the Americas before European conquest, to ancient Mesopotamia, to precolonial Africa. Delving into the prevalence of early democracy throughout the world, David Stasavage makes the case that understanding how and where these democracies flourished--and when and why they declined--can provide crucial information not just about the history of governance, but also about the ways modern democracies work and where they could manifest in the future."-- Publisher's website.

Origins of democratic rule --Early democracy was widespread -- Weak states inherited democracy -- When technology undermined democracy -- The development of representation in Europe -- China as the bureaucratic alternative -- How democracy disappeared in the Islamic world -- Democracy and economic development over the long run -- Why England was different -- Democracy-and slavery-in America -- The spread of modern democracy -- The ongoing democratic experiment.