

On the side of the angels
Book • 2008
Nancy Rosenblum's 'On the Side of the Angels: An Appreciation of Parties and Partisanship' offers a compelling defense of political parties and partisanship in democratic societies.
The book challenges the common perception of partisanship as divisive and harmful, arguing that it can actually promote civic engagement, accountability, and effective governance.
Rosenblum explores the historical and theoretical foundations of political parties, examining their role in representing diverse interests, mobilizing voters, and shaping public policy.
She highlights the importance of strong and competitive parties for maintaining a healthy democracy, while also acknowledging the potential risks of excessive polarization and ideological rigidity.
Through insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Rosenblum makes a case for recognizing the positive contributions of parties and partisanship to democratic life.
The book challenges the common perception of partisanship as divisive and harmful, arguing that it can actually promote civic engagement, accountability, and effective governance.
Rosenblum explores the historical and theoretical foundations of political parties, examining their role in representing diverse interests, mobilizing voters, and shaping public policy.
She highlights the importance of strong and competitive parties for maintaining a healthy democracy, while also acknowledging the potential risks of excessive polarization and ideological rigidity.
Through insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Rosenblum makes a case for recognizing the positive contributions of parties and partisanship to democratic life.
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as having written extensively about the way partisanship can create pro-democracy and civic attitudes among people.

Didi Kuo

Didi Kuo, "The Great Retreat: How Political Parties Should Behave and Why They Don't" (Oxford UP, 2025)