Why do some democratic governments succeed and others fail? In a book that has received attention from policymakers and civic activists in America and around the world, Robert Putnam and his collaborators offer empirical evidence for the importance of "civic community" in developing successful institutions. Their focus is on a unique experiment begun in 1970 when Italy created new governments for each of its regions. After spending two decades analyzing the efficacy of these governments in such fields as agriculture, housing, and health services, they reveal patterns of associationism, trust, and cooperation that facilitate good governance and economic prosperity.
Robert D. Putnam Livres
Robert Putnam est un politologue et professeur de politique publique à l'Université de Harvard. Sa théorie influente du jeu à deux niveaux postule que les accords internationaux ne réussiront que s'ils apportent également des avantages nationaux. Dans son œuvre la plus célèbre, il soutient que les États-Unis ont connu un déclin sans précédent de la vie civique et sociale depuis les années 1960, entraînant d'importantes conséquences négatives.






American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us
- 720pages
- 26 heures de lecture
Based on two new studies, "American Grace" examines the impact of religion on American life and explores how that impact has changed in the last half-century.
Our Kids
- 401pages
- 15 heures de lecture
New York Times bestseller and examination of the growing inequality gap from the bestselling author of Bowling Alone.
The Upswing
- 448pages
- 16 heures de lecture
A celebrated political scientist shows how we can remedy the current economic, social and political ills - by doing what we did a century ago and becoming once more a 'we' rather than 'I' society
Bowling Alone: Revised and Updated
- 544pages
- 20 heures de lecture
Updated to include a new chapter on the influence of social media and the Internet, this 20th anniversary edition remains a seminal work of social analysis, examining the decline of community in today's fractured America. Robert D. Putnam's observation that we no longer bowl in leagues symbolizes a significant social change that underpins his acclaimed bestseller. The book details how Americans have become increasingly disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and social structures, such as the PTA, churches, clubs, and political parties. In this revised edition, Putnam highlights the shrinking access to "social capital" from communal activities and its serious threat to civic and personal health, resonating even more in our divided country today. He addresses the dual nature of social media and the internet, which offer new opportunities for connection while also fostering unprecedented levels of alienation. Upon its initial publication, Putnam's groundbreaking work revealed that social bonds are the strongest predictor of life satisfaction, with the loss of social capital linked to crime rates and neighborhood quality of life. While the means of connection have evolved, his central argument remains urgent: mending our frayed social capital is essential to preserving the fabric of society.
Bowling alone : the collapse and revival of American community
- 544pages
- 20 heures de lecture
Shows how changes in work, family structure, women's roles, and other factors have caused people to become increasingly disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures--and how they may reconnect.
Better Together
- 336pages
- 12 heures de lecture
From bestselling author Robert Putnam, comes a groundbreaking follow-up book that puts into practice the lessons learnt from BOWLING ALONE.

