The Empty Throne: Democracy and the Rule of Law in Transition

Processes of public decision-making are no longer contained within the well-defined borders of the nation state and the classic parameters of constitutional law. The internationalization of public decision-making, the shift from the public sector to the private sector, and the transformation of the nature of governance itself radically challenge the traditional principles of democracy and the rule of law. How can our constitutional principles condition these processes and how can we maintain the essence of what constitutes our liberal democracy? The Empty Throne enters from and analysis of current developments in law and governance into and exploration of new expressions of democracy and the rule of law. These new expressions are explored both theoretically and operationally. In bridging the gap between national and international constitutional development and between the public and the private realms, this book also offers an innovative approach to constitutional questions. The Empty Throne is aimed at the academic scholar and professional as well as at students in the fields of law and politics. It will be of interest to policy makers and civil servants, as well as those engaged in policy issues through NGOs. The ideas presented in this book will also appeal to the well-informed citizen interested in modern government..