Political Meritocracy in the 21st Century
Title: Political Meritocracy in the 21st Century
Author: Brian Kogelmann
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Date: January 8, 2026
About the Book: This book examines the renewed philosophical debate over whether political power should be distributed based on competence and virtue rather than strict political equality. The book surveys three contemporary approaches to this idea, epistocracy (giving more political influence to knowledgeable voters), Confucian meritocracy (elite selection based on virtue and ability), and democratic meritocracy (the belief that elections can identify capable leaders).
About the Author: Brian Kogelmann is an associate professor of philosophy and political science. Brian works in social and political philosophy. He has published on a wide array of topics including liberalism, property rights, reparations, the methodology of the social sciences, Marx’s theory of false consciousness, the ethics of the U.S. Senate filibuster, and much more.