The book "The Will of the People: A Modern Myth" by Albert Weale dissects the concept of the 'will of the people' in democratic discourse, challenging its practicality and validity as a guiding principle in modern politics:

1. Introduction to the Myth:
   • The book begins by addressing the widespread invocation of the 'will of the people' by political parties and movements globally, highlighting its use across various contexts to justify political actions and decisions.
2. The Myth's Origins and Critique:
   • Weale traces the myth's roots to classical democracy and Rousseau's philosophical writings, emphasizing the impracticality of direct democracy in large, complex societies and critiquing Rousseau's concept of the 'general will' as overly optimistic about consensus.
3. Democratic vs. Populist Government:
   • Distinguishes between democratic government, which involves institutionalized debate and multiple viewpoints, and populist government, which seeks to bypass such debate in favor of direct action or decision by the 'people'.
4. The Problem with 'The People':
   • Examines the ambiguity of 'the people' as both a collection of individuals with diverse opinions and a singular entity with a unified will, arguing that this duality complicates the concept's application in political discourse.
5. Elitism and Mass Democracy:
   • Addresses accusations of elitism against critics of the 'will of the people', defending the informed participation of ordinary citizens in democracy while rejecting simplistic views of voter competence.
6. Historical and Social Constructs of Peoplehood:
   • Explores how nations and 'peoples' are constructed through state action, political movements, and social change, challenging the notion of innate or static national identities.
7. The Role of Citizenship Rights and National Identity:
   • Discusses the development of citizenship rights (civil, political, and social) and national identity through processes of inclusion and exclusion, highlighting how populist narratives often exploit themes of economic security and immigration.
8. Populism's Appeal and the Reality of Political Diversity:
   • Critiques populism's appeal to a homogenous 'people' against an elite 'other', emphasizing the reality of political diversity and the need for representative democracy to accommodate competing interests.
9. Conclusion on the Myth's Dangers:
   • Concludes that the myth of the 'will of the people' is dangerous for democracy, as it simplifies complex political realities and can lead to authoritarianism under the guise of populism.