A tightly woven explanation of the conditions under which cultures that do not tolerate political opposition may be transformed into societies that do.-Foreign Affairs

[Dahl's] analysis is lucid, perceptive, and thorough.-Times Literary Supplement

Amidst all the emotional uproar about democracy and the widespread talk of revolution comes this clear call to reason-a mind-stretching book that equips the young and the old suddenly to see an ageless problem of society in a new and exciting way. Everything Dahl says can be applied in a fascinating way to the governing of any human enterprise involving more than one person-whether it is a nation-state, a political party, a business firm, or a university.