"This book aims to present a positive defence of democracy and answer questions such as: What makes democracy unique? and why is it that we want to defend democracy? This book examines a variety of theories from a range of philosophers, scholars and politicians through history such as George van den Bergh, Karl Popper, Carl Schmitt and Hans Kelsen. It compares their interpretations of democracy and militant democracy, questions how helpful these references are and addresses contemporary alternatives and criticisms of them. Militant Democracy combines political philosophy, democratic theory, comparative politics and comparative and constitutional law seamlessly to build a comprehensive theory of militant democracy. This book is essential reading for students of politics, political theory and democracy and extremism"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Origin and development -- Alternatives and criticism -- Democracy as self-correction.