Political compromise seemingly offers a way of respecting difference while simultaneously generating a decision upon which policy can move forward. But proponents of political compromise should also acknowledge its significant weaknesses and dangers. This book offers insights into the problems of the compromise that should not be overlooked.

'At a time when the appeal of uncompromising populists is everywhere on the rise, the art of political compromise might seem indeed lost. Ruser and Machin issue a timely reminder of the towering importance of questioning and unveiling the conditions and constraints, the virtues and vices, of political compromise.' Nico Stehr FRSC, Karl-Mannheim Chair of Cultural Studies, Zeppelin University'Through an engaging interrogation of theory and practice, the authors remind us of the need to think more critically about the motivations, process and outcomes of political compromise. An intriguing and provocative contribution to contemporary democratic theory.' Graham Smith, Professor of Politics, Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Westminster'Consensus, rational compromise, and deliberative democracy are the latest versions of the idea that reason can replace force in political life. Ruser and Machin make a timely and important contribution to democratic theory and the sociology of politics by explaining how social issues of trust, social capital and exclusion are inseparable from the process of deliberation, and show it does not allow us to escape from conflict, ineradicable difference, and uncertainty – in a word, politics.' Stephen Turner, Distinguished University Professor, University of South Florida