ABSTRACT
Recent claims that civic republicanism can better address contemporary political problems than either liberalism or communitarianism are generating an intense debate.
This is a sharp insight into this debate, confronting normative theory with historical and comparative analysis. It examines whether republican theory can address contemporary political problems in ways that are both valuable and significantly different in practice from liberalism. These expert authors offer contrasting perspectives on issues raised by the contemporary revival of republicanism and adopt a variety of methodological approaches to address the practical implications of republican thought within a coherent thematic framework. This book also
*clarifies core themes and contested areas of republican thought, especially the notion of liberty, the specific political institutions needed to realize it, and the nature of solidarity among citizens.
* shows how republicanism continued to influence the development of liberal thought in nineteenth century Britain
* examines the development of alternative republican discourses, including the established political practice and ideology of the French republican tradition
* applies republican perspectives to contemporary political concerns such as the creation of social trust and the expansion of public accountability
* explores the implications of republican theory for policy areas including houses, education and marriage in diverse multicultural societies
This book will be of great interest to researchers and students studying republicanism in political science history, social policy and education. In addition, it is a valuable resource for those concerned with citizenship, democratic theory, multiculturalism, nationalism and patriotism, and politics beyond the nation-state.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|24 pages
The republican conception of liberty
part II|55 pages
Historical expressions of republicanism
chapter 3|12 pages
Reforming republicanism in nineteenth-century Britain
part III|28 pages
The foundations of republican community
part IV|47 pages
Republican political institutions
chapter 11|16 pages
Public spheres and civic competence in the European polity
part V|52 pages
Applying republican theory to policy