Democratic accountability: why choice in politics is both possible and necessary

Abstract

1. Introduction: The Politics of Blame Avoidance * Accountability as a Democratic Value * Politics as Rational Action * Critical Cases as Counter-Examples 2. History Is Not Predetermined * The End of History * The Politics of Containment * Accountability and Counterfactual Analysis 3. Nation-States Need Not Go to War * The War of All against All * L'Europe des Patries * Accountability and Legitimacy 4. Globalization Has Not Wiped Out the Freedom to Choose * The Globalization Trap * Agenda 21 * Accountability and the Market 5. Power-Sharing Does Not Exclude Responsibility * Power-Sharing * Mani Pulite * Accountability and the Ethics of Conviction and Responsibility 6. Implementation May Well Be Immaculate * The Theory of Budget-Maximization * The Politics of Retrenchment * Accountability and Bureaucracy 7. Consequences May Well Be as Intended * Unintended Consequences * The Gent System * Accountability and Expertise 8. Action Can Be Meaningful Even if Irrational * The Logic of Rational Action: The Roots * The Logic of Appropriateness: Gotterdammerung * Accountability and History 9. Conclusion: The Necessity of Choice * Choice Is Possible * Choice Is Mandatory * Notes * Bibliography * Acknowledgments * Index