This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is needed to improve democracy and public service. It explains why the problem of civic disengagement poses a major threat and shows how obstacles to democratic cooperation between citizens and state institutions can be overcome.|The book brings together leading academics and expert practitioners who have a wealth of knowledge and insights relating to why and how state and citizens should cooperate to improve democracy and public service.|

Academics interested in democratic theory, citizen engagement, and participatory politics.

Policy advisors, politicians, public officials, and political commentators.

Civic activists and community leaders looking for new ways to shape public policies.|This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is necessary for achieving positive social change. Their contributions demonstrate that, while protest and non-state action may have their place, citizens must also work effectively with public bodies to secure sustainable improvements. The authors explain why the problem of civic disengagement poses a major threat, highlight what actions can be taken, and suggest how the underlying obstacles to democratic cooperation between citizens and state institutions can be overcome across a range of policy areas and in varied national contexts.

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