The Rise of Constitutionalism: A Global Perspective
By (Author) Kostas Chrysogonos
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Hart Publishing
21st August 2025
United Kingdom
Professional and Scholarly
Non Fiction
Comparative law
Hardback
496
Width 156mm, Height 234mm
This book explores the historical, comparative and global dimensions of the constitutional phenomenon.
From the origins of constitutionalism to the diverse trajectories of North American and European constitutionalism, the book considers pivotal moments in the emergence and evolution of formal constitutions as the main structure of constitutional governance.
It presents a critical inquiry into the realities that lie beneath the surface of formal constitutional documents. From the struggles for democratic governance in Latin America to Asias delicate balance between tradition and modernity and Africas post-colonial arrangements, the book poses a critical query: amidst the promises of democratic ideals, do formal Constitutions always translate into effective governance What are the lessons of facade Constitutions on the tension between formal documents and the realities of governance
It explores the past and present of constitutional governance in the first quarter of the 21st century and offers insights on the future of constitutionalism. By assessing the normative quality of Constitutions and exploring the intrinsic link between them and representation, it offers an understanding of the essence and trajectories of constitutional thought and practice. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the enduring legacy and evolving nature of the constitutional phenomenon.
Kostas Chrysogonos is Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece.