Conclusion

Abstract

Abstract This chapter continues and concludes with forward-looking reflections on hybrid democratic innovations (HDIs) that capitalize on tensions between opposites. This feeds into the hybrid-innovations hypothesis, which posits that more versatile and connective democratic innovations stand a better chance of a high performance on a broader spectrum than democratic innovations that fall short of these qualities. The most advanced hybrid innovations couple diverging forms of bottom-up pressure, and keep representative democracy connected and on its toes. Hybrid democratic innovations may be desirable as well as possible, as this book contends, but they also come with challenges and questions reflected on in this final chapter. A strategy of change based on connecting opposites requires great effort, the cognitive agility to rethink democratic innovation, and a good deal of practical wisdom to effectuate it. Done properly, it is proposed that this is valuable and worth our while.