Overall, this book makes an original contribution to comparative political science, democratic theory, and regional studies. It will be of interest to scholars and graduate students in political science, sociology, and public policy, as well as policymakers and practitioners concerned with democratic governance, citizen participation, and democratic innovation. By combining theoretical reflection, original empirical evidence, and a rich case study, the volume demonstrates that the future of democracy in the Basque Country—and beyond—depends not on abandoning liberal democracy, but on deepening and renewing it. This book is addressed to an international readership interested in the study of democracy, political culture and citizen attitudes in contemporary societies. Its primary audience is composed of scholars and postgraduate students in political science, sociology, public policy and related social science disciplines, particularly those working on democratic theory, democratic quality, political behaviour, comparative politics, nationalism and governance in post-conflict or plurinational contexts. By combining theoretical reflection with original empirical evidence, the volume speaks directly to ongoing academic debates on the crisis, transformation and resilience of liberal democracy. The book will be especially relevant for researchers examining citizen support for democracy, institutional trust, political participation, polarisation, populism and technocratic attitudes, as well as the role of welfare systems, identity, gender, migration and generational change in shaping democratic legitimacy. The Basque Country is analysed not as an isolated or exceptional case, but as a comparative setting that reflects many of the tensions faced by advanced democracies, making the findings and arguments transferable to a wide range of European and international contexts. The volume is also suitable for teaching purposes and will be of interest to instructors and students in advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses on comparative politics, democratic governance, European politics, political sociology and public opinion. Individual chapters can be used as stand-alone readings in courses focused on political participation, democratic innovation, identity politics or social policy, thanks to their clear structure and empirical grounding. Beyond the academic sphere, the book is likely to attract a policy-oriented readership, including policymakers, civil servants and advisors working in regional, national and European institutions, as well as professionals in think tanks, research centres and organisations concerned with democratic governance, institutional reform and citizen participation. Its focus on practical challenges and democratic innovation makes it particularly relevant for those involved in the design and evaluation of public policies aimed at strengthening democratic legitimacy. Finally, the accessible analytical style and strong connection to current political debates mean that the book may also appeal to a broader informed readership, including journalists, educators and members of civil society interested in the future of democracy, the relationship between citizens and institutions, and the prospects for democratic renewal in Europe and beyond.

Víctor Lapuente is a professor of political science and director of Quality of Government at the University of Gothenburg. He holds a PhD in political science from the University of Oxford and his scientific work focuses on the causes and consequences of institutional quality from a comparative perspective. Lapuente is a columnist for El País and Ethic magazine and a contributor to Cadena SER and the Piedras de Papel blog. His most recent book is the novel Inmanencia (AdN), a dystopia about the limits of freedom and individualism.

Xabier Barandiaran holds a PhD in sociology (2001) and bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from the University of Deusto (1994). He is a tenured professor at the University of Deusto. His areas of teaching include general sociology, fundamentals of political science, democracy, and collaborative governance. He is also a Basque parliamentarian.

María Pilar Rodríguez is a professor in communication and a translator.