Political Theory: An Introduction

Description

While Western modern political thought has been a story of inclusion, it has also been one of continued exclusion and new forms of political oppression and silencing. This is why political theory is so necessary today. Political thought is diverse. From liberal theories laying out ideal democratic institutions, to critical analyses of postcolonial settler states, to conceptual analyses of the nature of freedom, there are very different approaches, topics and aims within the tradition of Western political theory. What binds these diverse forms of thinking together? How do how do they help us to understand political institutions, life, behaviour and events? How do they help us to make decisions in the complex world of politics? This book, significantly revised and reconceptualized, introduces you to the modern discipline of political theory in the Western tradition, tackling its key debates, concepts, problems and traditions: - What is the nature of political concepts? What problems do they pose to thinkers and political actors? - How have modern political thinkers usually approached thinking about politics? How has this been problematized in contemporary debates? - Has modern politics fundamentally ignored economically impoverished groups, women, indigenous peoples, racialized groups and the natural environment? - How have ideas like freedom, equality, sovereignty and the state been conceptualized in the modern tradition? What tensions has this given rise to? Delving into topics as diverse as Maoism, postcolonialism and white supremacy, boxed features give you room to explore and expand in political theorising: -Focusing on the texts: helps you deal with difficult texts and arguments -Tradition: introduces you to major approaches to political theory -Thinker: allows you to understand the contributions of major figures in political thought -Thinking globally: gives insight into how political theory is adapting to global interconnectedness -Beyond the West: makes you reflect on what can be learnt from non-Western approaches. Spanning the development of Western political thought, from Thucydides through to John Rawls and beyond, with a focus on Modern and contemporary debates, this is an essential text for undergraduate and postgraduate courses on political thought and political philosophy.

Andrew Heywood was Vice Principal of Croydon College, UK, having previously been Director of Studies at Orpington College, UK, and Head of Politics at Farnborough Sixth-Form College, UK. Clayton Chin is Senior Lecturer in Political Theory at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

A vital and engaging introduction to modern political theory in all its breadth and complexity. This book is an invaluable tool for any student of politics. * Ashley Dodsworth, Senior Lecturer of Politics and International Studies, University of Bristol, UK * This fifth edition of Andrew Heywood's textbook Political Theory, adapted and improved by Clayton Chin, serves as an excellent introduction to political philosophy and theory. Approachable, comprehensive and updated, this book gives attention to students and instructors alike and is an essential resource for inclusion in more theoretically-oriented courses offered by political science departments. * Jean-Paul Gagnon, Senior Lecturer of Politics, University of Canberra, Australia * Clearly and accessibly written, this is a masterly and comprehensive study of the major concepts and problems in political theory. It relates key figures and traditions in the history of political thought to contemporary debates, covering the diverse strands of liberal thinking, as well as a wide range of critical theories and approaches. * Katherine Smits, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, New Zealand * This new edition of Political Theory is an astute, remarkably skilful and telling account of what political theory is. It is an engaging and stimulating resource for all those who are interested in the topic. * Ruth Groff, Associate Professor of Political Science, Saint Louis University, USA * A highly accessible, compelling and up-to-date introduction to political thought conveyed through the myriad debates that propel it from past to present. Students who read it will not only be able to grasp concepts, but learn how to use them to understand the world we live in. * Jemima Repo, Reader in Political and Feminist Theory, Newcastle University, UK * Newly revised, the fifth edition of Political Theory provides a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the field. Distinguished by its focus on both traditional and modern political problems, including those related to exclusion, the book thoroughly explores the nature and contributions of the discipline. * Clay Arnold, Professor and Department Chair of Political Science, University of Central Arkansas, USA *