ABSTRACT

Introduction to Political Theory is a text for the 21st century. It shows students why an understanding of theory is crucial to an understanding of issues and events in a rapidly shifting global political landscape. Bringing together classic and contemporary political concepts and ideologies into one book, this new text introduces the major approaches to political issues that have shaped the modern world, and the ideas that form the currency of political debate.

Introduction to Political Theory relates political ideas to political realities through effective use of examples and case studies making theory lively, contentious and relevant.

This updated third edition comes with significant revisions which reflect the latest questions facing political theory, such as the French burqa controversy, ethnic nationalism and the value of research from sociobiology. Accompanying these debates is a wealth of new and thought-provoking case studies for discussion, including (consensual) sadomasochism, affirmative action and same-sex marriage. A new chapter on difference has also been added to complement those on feminism and multiculturalism.

The revised glossary, revamped website for further reading and new streamlined layout make Introduction to Political Theory third edition the perfect accompaniment to undergraduate study.

chapter |10 pages

What is power?

chapter 1|23 pages

The state

chapter 2|20 pages

Freedom

chapter 3|22 pages

Equality

chapter 4|23 pages

Justice

chapter 5|19 pages

Democracy

chapter 6|23 pages

Citizenship

chapter 7|22 pages

Punishment

chapter |8 pages

What is ideology?

chapter 8|22 pages

Liberalism

chapter 9|19 pages

Conservatism

chapter 10|25 pages

Socialism

chapter 11|21 pages

Anarchism

chapter 12|22 pages

Nationalism

chapter 13|25 pages

Fascism

chapter |6 pages

What is a new social movement?

chapter 14|24 pages

Feminism

chapter 15|21 pages

Multiculturalism

chapter 16|22 pages

Ecologism

chapter 17|21 pages

Fundamentalism

chapter |2 pages

What do we mean by a new idea?

chapter 18|21 pages

Human rights

chapter 19|22 pages

Civil disobedience

chapter 20|21 pages

Political violence

chapter 21|16 pages

Difference

chapter 22|20 pages

Global justice

chapter |2 pages

Conclusion