Politics: A Very Short Introduction

by Kenneth Minogue

Overview

In this provocative but balanced essay, Kenneth Minogue discusses the development of politics from the ancient world to the twentieth century. He prompts us to consider why political systems evolve, how politics offers both power and order in our society, whether democracy is always a good thing, and what future politics may have in the twenty-first century. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191610783
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	02/24/2000
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	503,116
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Kenneth Minogue, formerly Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics, and author of a number of books, including he Liberal Mind (1961), Nationalsim (1967), and Alien Powers: The Pure Theory of Idealogy (1985), as well as academic essays on a great range of problems in political theory.

Table of Contents

1. Why Despots Don't Belong in Politics; 2. The Classical Greeks: How to be a Citizen; 3. The Romans: The Real Meaning of Patriotism; 4. Christianity and the Rise of the Individual; 5. Constructing the Modern State; 6. How to Analyse a Modern State; 7. Relations between States: How to Balance Power; 8. The Experience of Politics: I - How to be an Activist; 9. The Experience of Politics: II - Parties and Doctrines; 10. The Experience of Politics: III - Justice, Freedom, and Democracy; 11. Studying Politics Scientifically; 12. Ideology Challenges Politics; 13. Can Politics Survive the Twenty-first Century? Further Reading; Index

Editorial Reviews

"Surveying the history of politics from Plato to the present, it provides a good readable introduction to politics for beginners or a brushup for advanced students or faculty on areas too long ignored."—Choice

"Minogue's slim volume is an admirably light and sensible guide to political practitioners and students who want to learn more about the theoretical and historical context of today's controversies....We would all sleep more soundly if every prospective parliamentary candidate from every party was required to read this admirable book before the next election."—Sir Philip Goodhart

"Kenneth Minogue is a very lively stylist who does not distort difficult ideas....The book cannot fail to attract attention."—Maurice Cranston

"A refreshing, provocative, witty book! It does an excellent job of placing politics within the contexts of history and modern life."—Steve D. Boilard, Western Kentucky University

From the Publisher