Explores how democracy has been constricted and deformed by economic power-brokers and a self-serving political class from Birmingham to Bangalore. Swift considers the different tools people in power have used to manipulate democratic principles, such as freedom, to their advantage. Includes chapter-length discussions of topics such as the economic meltdown, Barack Obama, eco-democracy, democratising the economy and democracy in the global south. It is also a guide to the rich diversity of forms of elected government full of practical advice for voters.