The Rule of Law Under Fire?

The rule of law is under threat from populism, authoritarianism, and nationalism, which pose ideological, economic, legal, and institutional dangers. Raymond Wacks examines the philosophical roots of the rule of law and investigates 16 potential dangers, including judicial and administrative discretion, parliamentary sovereignty, globalisation, the 'war on terror', and Big Tech. He identifies which issues pose genuine risks and suggests how they can be confronted to ensure its defence and preservation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The rise of populism, authoritarianism, and nationalism poses a significant threat to the welfare of the rule of law. This fundamental democratic ideal is under siege as these ideologies undermine the principles of accountability, transparency, and the protection of individual rights.

In his book, Raymond Wacks delves into the philosophical roots of the rule of law and its modern interpretation. He then investigates 16 potential ideological, economic, legal, and institutional dangers to the rule of law. These dangers range from the exercise of judicial and administrative discretion to parliamentary sovereignty, the growth of globalization, the "war on terror," and the disquieting power of Big Tech.

Furthermore, Wacks examines the enactment and enforcement of Draconian measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19, which has raised concerns that these emergency powers may outlive the pandemic and become a permanent feature of the legal landscape, impairing the rule of law.

Wacks identifies which issues among this extensive array pose genuine risks to the rule of law and suggests how they might be confronted to ensure its defence and preservation.

The rise of populism, authoritarianism, and nationalism threatens the welfare of the rule of law. It is essential to address these challenges and uphold the principles that underpin democratic societies to ensure the protection of individual rights and the promotion of a just and equitable society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509950621