About the Book
This volume offers an incisive overview of central issues and controversies in political thought and analysis. It includes major discussions of the idea of the modern state, contemporary theories of the state, problems of power and legitimation, new forms of democratic ideal, citizenship and social movements, the direction of public policy and the fate of sovereignty in the modern global system.
While analysing these topics, the author critically assesses the thought of many of those who have contributed decisively to political discussion. Among those whose works are discussed are classic figures such as Hobbes, Locke, Mill and Marx, as well as contemporary writers such as Habermas, Offe and Giddens.
Political Theory and the Modern State is an ideal resource for students seeking an introduction to modern politics and political sociology. It is also an original statement about the many competing perspectives in political thought today.
Contents
1. Introduction
Central Perspectives on the Modern State
Class
2. Power and the State
Legitimation Problem and Crisis Tendencies
Power and Legitimacy
Liberalism
3. Marxism and the Future Direction of Public Policy
4. The Contemporary Polarization of Democratic Theory: The Case for a Third Way
Citizenship and Autonomy
Sovereignty
5. National Politics and the Global System
A Discipline of Politics?
About the Author / Editor
David Held is Professor of Politics and Sociology at the Open University and the author of many works including Democracy and the Global Order (1995), Models of Democracy (second edition 1996) and Global Transformations (1999).
