The book is divided into two parts: Part I: 'Global Transformations', asks whether globalization is transforming the conditions of liberal democratic governance.

Part II: 'Democratizing World Order', critically evaluates the prospects for democratizing global forces through an examination of the reform of global governance: the democratic potential of the EU; international initiatives to develop greater democratic accountability of multinational corporate capital; and universal human rights.

The final chapter reflects upon the meaning of democracy in the context of contemporary patterns of globalization and regionalization.

The contributors to the volume include Robert Cox, Donna Dickenson, Tony Evans, Mark Imber, David Goldblatt, Anthony McGrew, James Goodman, Grahame Thompson, and Martin Shaw.