Part I consists of a lengthy chapter by the editor that outlines the challenges to traditional conceptions of democracy posed by the evolving world order. Part II (6 chapters) focuses on current theoretical disputes about liberal democracy and contending conceptions of democratic life - particularly the criticisms of pluralist, participatory, socialist, and feminist theorists of democracy. Part III (5 chapters) extends the discussion by examining several fundamental questions about the form and limits of democracy, notably the tension between democracy and markets, the military constraints placed on democratic policy making, the role of the media in both enhancing and subverting the democratic process, and the nature of modern democratic citizenship. Finally, Part IV (6 chapters) assesses the opportunities and potential for democracy in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.