ABSTRACT

A guide through history for those perplexed about the fate of democracy and the government of diverse societies. In war and in peace, amid disruptive change and during reconstruction, a government of people and events will always be called for. But in this age of anxiety and uncertainty, people on the left and the right are losing confidence in governments, elections and politicians. Many ask whether democracy has failed, and ponder alternatives. Knowing how to govern, and how to be governed, are necessary for solving collectively our pressing social and ecological problems.

This book rediscovers diverse models of government, including the successful statecraft and drastic mistakes of past rulers and their advisers. From ancient to modern times, what methods of government have arisen and succeeded, or what were their fatal flaws? What ethical and political ideas informed the rulers and the ruled? How have states dealt with unexpected calamities or with cultural and religious differences? And what kept things (more or less) running smoothly? Amid rapid change and political dissent, it’s timely to re-examine the ideas and practices that governed large populations and guided their rulers. In an age of political distrust, disruptive populism and global crises, we need to rearm ourselves with knowledge of history and diverse political ideas to better address contemporary problems.

This book will appeal to students in political theory, political history, or history of government and public policy.

chapter 1|18 pages

The arts of government

chapter 2|25 pages

Enduring ideas

chapter 3|28 pages

The great empires

Rome, Persia and China

chapter 4|23 pages

Ruling by the book

Monotheism and government

chapter 5|22 pages

Rulers of no fixed abode

chapter 6|37 pages

Metastatic imperialism

Global colonial rule

chapter 7|27 pages

Things made from people

Republics, representatives, revolutions

chapter 8|26 pages

Let's get organised

Civil administration

chapter 9|38 pages

Ends and limits of government

The twentieth century

chapter 10|9 pages

Conclusion