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Rotation of Power

A Theory of Democratic Competition

Rotation of Power cover

Rotation of Power

A Theory of Democratic Competition

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Pre-order. Available Feb 19 2026
$126.36 RRP $157.95 Website price saving $31.59 (20%)

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Description

This book explores the often-overlooked democratic principle of 'rotation of power'.

It considers two key questions: what happens when power stops changing hands in a democracy, and when incumbents manipulate the system to entrench themselves in office, can democracy survive?

Democracies are often celebrated for their ability to ensure accountability and renewal through the peaceful and unhindered alternation of power. Yet, they are not immune to a dangerous phenomenon: political self-entrenchment. This phenomenon occurs when incumbents, unilaterally or collectively, exploit the power of office to dominate the political arena, tilt the playing field, and distort democratic competition. Contributing to scholarly and judicial debates, this book offers a fresh perspective on this issue by focusing on the cornerstone value of democracy: the rotation of power.

Through sharp analysis and case studies from multiple jurisdictions, this book tackles the following critical questions: why is the rotation of power fundamental to democracy? How do incumbents undermine it? And, crucially, how can we protect democratic competition from those who seek to monopolise power?

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Rotation of Power: The Inherent Principle in Democracies
2. The Democratic Paradox
3. Democratic Competition and the Market-based Analogy
4. Abuse of Structural Advantage and Political Cartels
5. Distortion of the Rotation of Power and the Rule-of-Law Approach
6. Independent Bodies and Representatives in Defending the Rotation of Power
7. The Unwritten Principle of Rotation of Power
8. Counter-Majoritarian Mechanisms and the Rotation of Power
9. Strategic Democracy and the Rotation of Power
Concluding Remarks

Product details

Published Feb 19 2026
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 200
ISBN 9781509990719
Imprint Hart Publishing
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Antonios Kouroutakis

Antonios Kouroutakis is Associate Professor at IE…

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