https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/POLS5983?type=COREThis course offers theoretical and comparative analysis of democracies. We will analyze different theoretical models of democracy, namely the pluralist, elitist, representative, participatory, deliberative, populist, plebiscitary, national, transnational, global, cosmopolitan types. Our discussion will include the so-called different stages" of democracy (such as minimalist, electoral, substantive, consolidated, and so on). Beyond these approaches, we shall reflect on some empirical problems, such as the phenomenon of post-democracy", the signs of deterioration (deconsolidation, breakdown) of liberal democracy and the rise of illiberal, competitive authoritarian regimes. The readings cover some of the most important texts written by classics and contemporary classic authors in political science from Dahl, Schumpeter and Pateman to Mair, Urbinati, Schmitter and others.