Political Theory and the Modern State

Political Theory and the Modern State by David Held

This volume offers an incisive overview of central issues and controversies in political thought and analysis. It includes major discussions of the idea of the modern state, contemporary theories of the state, problems of power and legitimation, new forms of democratic ideal, citizenship and social movements, the direction of public policy and the fate of sovereignty in the modern global system. While analysing these topics, the author critically assesses the thought of many of those who have contributed decisively to political discussion. Among those whose works are discussed are classic figures such as Hobbes, Locke, Mill and Marx, as well as contemporary writers such as Habermas, Offe and Giddens. Political Theory and the Modern State is an ideal resource for students seeking an introduction to modern politics and political sociology. It is also an original statement about the many competing perspectives in political thought today.

'Held brings.. clarity, conviction and breadth of scholarship to bear on a range of topics. Throughout, the breadth of Held's scholarship is matched by his impassioned commitment to the values of 'democratic autonomy'.' Political Studies

'Students seeking an introduction to the political sociology of the modern state, that challenges much conventional wisdom as well as provides model reviews of such wisdom, need look no further.' Keith Grint, Sociological Review

'Anyone concerned with the present state of political and social theory cannot afford to bypass this excellent collection.' Henri Lustiger-Thaler, Canadian Journal of Political Science

'Broad vision and analytical muscle.' Network

'... a timely review of the state of society and the state of the state. ... particularly impressive is Held's ability to marshal sophisticated and complex arguments without descending into the kind of contorted prose beloved of social scientists ...' Sociological Review

David Held is Graham Wallas Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780745606200
ISBN 10	0745606202
Title	Political Theory and the Modern State
Author	David Held
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Year published	1989-10-05
Number of pages	276
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.