ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses unseen changes in the practice of democracy in established western liberal democracies. It explores both practical examples and theoretical concepts of how democracy is changing, before presenting the theory of a partnership democracy to capture this change. Political leaders are realizing the need for a change in approach to the way they govern. Practitioners working in government and those engaged in consultation with the public also observed a move towards seeing the public-politician relationship as a partnership. Another indication of change is that in the last decade there has been an expansion and diversification of public input into central government. Political marketing notes the increased use of market research by elites, but also more innovative research such as role play, deliberative marketing and co-creation. Public input into government is increasing and diversifying, and political leaders are moving towards an approach that concedes their own limitations whilst acknowledging the value of others.
