Democracy Realized by Roberto Mangabeira Unger is a profound and ambitious exploration of how democracy can move beyond formal institutions to become a living, participatory, and transformative force in society. Unger argues that traditional liberal democracy often falls short because it emphasizes procedural rules, representative systems, and legal frameworks without fully empowering citizens to actively shape social, economic, and political life. He envisions a more radical form of democracy—what he calls “democracy realized”—in which individuals are not only protected by rights but are also given the practical capacity to participate in decision-making, innovate within institutions, and continuously reform societal structures to meet evolving human needs.

The book explores mechanisms to achieve this vision, including decentralized governance, participatory policymaking, and the restructuring of social and economic institutions to enhance equality, creativity, and agency. Unger emphasizes that democracy is not merely a political form but a comprehensive social project that must integrate education, economic opportunity, and civic engagement, ensuring that citizens have the knowledge, skills, and institutional support to influence the decisions that affect their lives. He also engages critically with obstacles to this ideal, such as entrenched hierarchies, bureaucratic rigidity, and the concentration of power, arguing that overcoming these challenges requires imaginative institutional design and a cultural commitment to active participation.

Throughout, Unger combines philosophical reflection, institutional analysis, and practical proposals, demonstrating that a fully realized democracy demands both structural reforms and a transformation of civic consciousness. Democracy Realized ultimately presents a vision in which democratic life is dynamic, participatory, and capable of fostering human flourishing, highlighting the potential for societies to move beyond passive representation toward active, empowered, and creative citizen engagement.