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Between Consent and Descent: Conceptions of Democratic Citizenship
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Between Consent and Descent: Conceptions of Democratic Citizenship

The author clarifies the sources of Western concepts of citizenship, from the ancient Greeks to modern social democrats: where they came from, how they evolved, and where they tend to lead. Into this concise historical account he weaves a profound critical analysis of the contrasting values embodied in different approaches to civic membership.

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By Mr. Douglas B. Klusmeyer
Published on Oct 1, 1996

Source: Washington, DC: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1996

Controversies over citizenship are both a cause and a consequence of contemporary migration. In many settings, ill-defined and often conflicting ideas about citizenship leave substantial numbers of people feeling excluded and vulnerable. The author clarifies the sources of Western concepts of citizenship, from the ancient Greeks to modern social democrats: where they came from, how they evolved, and where they tend to lead. Into this concise historical account he weaves a profound critical analysis of the contrasting values embodied in different approaches to civic membership.

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About the Author

Mr. Douglas B. Klusmeyer

Former Associate

Mr. Douglas B. Klusmeyer
Former Associate

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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