ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the main findings and contributions of the book while also pointing the way forward. It first describes the conceptual contributions of the book in developing a new conception of democratic quality which consists of the elements of citizen rule, political equality, and good citizenship. It then surveys the main findings of its empirical analysis of Czech democracy in these three areas. It speculates on the roots of these results and casts doubts on the standard institutional and cultural explanations for Czech difficulties. Instead, it tentatively emphasizes the country’s cleavage structure and loss of mission. The chapter then turns to research frontiers for each element of democratic quality. Finally, it suggests possible solutions to improve citizen rule, political equality, and citizenship.
