ABSTRACT
The idea that political and social pluralism is the dominant feature of modem democracy became, during the Cold War, a central part of the contrasts made by Western intellectuals between democracy and communism. Plural the root word of pluralism means more than one, and all societies, even the simplest, are in some ways pluralist. Although it is illuminating to contrast pluralist and totalitarian societies, the fact remains that even totalitarian states, in which one-party dictatorships try to control all aspects of individual and social life, are to some extent pluralist. Although Robert Dahl regarded the Preface as having implications for other nations, its framework consisted of the politics and political thought of the United States. New Right critics include laissez-faire economic liberals, libertarians, neo-conservatives and public choice theorists, not all of whom appreciate the label New Right or share a common position.
