Hélène Landemore

An argument for radically extending citizen power … worth reading for anyone interested in combating polarisation

All around the world democracy is in crisis, and understanding why and developing solutions to the dwindling support for democratic institutions is one of our main challenges. This thought-provoking book argues that the solution is more democracy, not less. We need to bring the ‘shy people’ into politics and reduce the control of politicians, parties, and power brokers. This is a must read for anybody worried about the future of American and world politics

Daron Acemoglu, co-author of Power and Progress

Politics is too important to be left to politicians. A powerful argument for citizen rule—and for reimagining democracy beyond elites

Thomas Piketty, author of Capital in the Twenty-First Century

Drawing on ancient wisdom and modern experiments, Hélène Landemore envisions a system where ordinary citizens, selected by lot, step into power with humility and civic care. She brilliantly champions ‘bringing the shy people out,’ ensuring even the quietest voices shape our shared future. Vital, rigorous, and deeply inspiring

Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s first Minister of Digital Affairs and co-author of Plurality

Politics Without Politicians is a thrilling book. A reluctant populist, Hélène Landemore shows how ordinary citizens—in place of professional politicians—can govern with clarity and imagination. Over the course of this book, seemingly radical claims not only appear practical, but far more so than running our head into the same brick wall for another few decades

Zephyr Teachout, author of Corruption in America

The Case for Citizen Rule

Bought by special interests, detached from real life, obsessed with re-election. Politicians make big promises, deliver little to nothing and keep the game rigged in their favour. But what can we do? 
 
With disarming clarity and a deep sense of urgency, acclaimed political theorist Hélène Landemore argues that electoral politics is broken but democracy isn’t. We’ve just been doing it wrong. Drawing on ancient Athenian practices and contemporary citizens’ assemblies, Landemore champions an alternative approach that is alive, working and growing around the world: civic lotteries that select everyday people to govern, not as career politicians but as temporary stewards of the common good. 
 
When regular citizens come together in this way, they make smarter, fairer, more forward-thinking decisions, often bringing out the best in one another. Witnessing this process firsthand, Landemore has learned that democracy should be like a good party where even the shyest guests feel welcome to speak, listen, and be heard. With sharp analysis and real-world examples, drawing from her experience with deliberative processes in France and elsewhere, Landemore shows us how to move beyond democracy as a spectator sport, embracing it as a shared practice — not just in the voting booth but in shaping the laws and policies that govern our lives. 
 
If you’ve ever felt powerless, Politics Without Politicians will show you how we can take back democracy.

Hélène Landemore

Praise for Politics Without Politicians

An argument for radically extending citizen power … worth reading for anyone interested in combating polarisation

A bold argument for citizen rule

All around the world democracy is in crisis, and understanding why and developing solutions to the dwindling support for democratic institutions is one of our main challenges. This thought-provoking book argues that ...

An argument for radically extending citizen power … worth reading for anyone interested in combating polarisation

A bold argument for citizen rule

All around the world democracy is in crisis, and understanding why and developing solutions to the dwindling support for democratic institutions is one of our main challenges. This thought-provoking book argues that ...

An argument for radically extending citizen power … worth reading for anyone interested in combating polarisation

A bold argument for citizen rule

All around the world democracy is in crisis, and understanding why and developing solutions to the dwindling support for democratic institutions is one of our main challenges. This thought-provoking book argues that ...

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