Political Ideology In The Modern World

Cassels offers a novel perspective on the part played by ideology in international relations over the past two centuries. His treatment is not restricted to the familiar totalitarian ideologies of communism and nazism, but also includes conservatism, liberalism and nationalism. The focus and emphasis given to ideology in an historical survey of such broad scope make this book unusual, and even controversial.

This idea-centred text aims to remain faithful to the real dynamism of contemporary ideological debate. It attempts to draw the reader into the spirited give-and-take that ideological debate ignites. To heighten the sense of personal challenge, ideological positions are presented as if they were being argued by a skilful advocate. The atmosphere of ideological debate is captured by closing the presentations of each ideological position with a series of penetrating critiques and counter-arguments such as those levelled by a sophisticated antagonist.

The ideologies of Liberalism, Socialism and Conservatism have dominated political argument since the American and French revolutions. The Age of Ideology traces their emergence, their relationship to Modernity and the Enlightenment, and their current crisis in the face of the collapse of Communism, rapid technological change, the new rise of nationalism and fundamentalism, and the philosophical challenge of postmodernism. John Schwarzmantel defends the continued relevance of the left-right spectrum and the necessity of political ideology for democratic government and the idea of the good society.

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.

What are the pervasive forces for change in the modern world? Looking back on political, social, and economic upheavals of the past two hundred years, a casual observer might conclude that it has been politics alone. Conversely, Stunkel and Sarsar assert that ideology, technology, and values played equally as crucial roles then as they do now. As three of the most influential 'ideas' in the modern world--ideology, values and technology are acutely addresed in this volume in order to clarify what they are and what their significance is for political life.

Ideology is one of the most controversial terms in the political vocabulary, inciting both revulsion and inspiration. This book explains why ideologies deserve respect as a major form of political thinking, without which we cannot make sense of the political world. The reader is introduced to their vitality and force, utilizing insights from a range of disciplines, and through examining the arguments of the main ideologies.

Ian Adams examines the tenets of liberalism, socialism, conservatism, Marxism, anarchism, and fascism. This new edition covers recent developments in religious and sexual politics, environmentalism, animal rights, post-Marxism, communitarianism, multiculturalism, and postmodernism. Recent events covered include the Asian financial crisis, the Balkan wars, and the election of the New Labour government. Adams shows how contemporary ideological thinking is still thriving, and discusses prospects for future ideological developments, including the growth of small scale and local ideologies.

Claude Lefort is one of the leading social and political theorists in France today. This anthology of his most important work published over the last four decades makes his writing widely accessible to an English-speaking audience for the first time. With exceptional skill Lefort combines the analysis of contemporary political events with a sensitivity to the history of political thought. His critical account of the development of bureaucracy and totalitarianism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe is a timely contribution to current debates about the nature and shortcomings of these societies. His incisive analyses of Marx's theory of history and concept of ideology provide the backdrop for a highly original account of the role of symbolism in modern societies. While critical of many traditional assumptions and doctrines, Lefort develops a political position based on a reappraisal of the idea of human rights and a reconsideration of what "democracy" means today. The Political Forms of Modern Society is a major contribution to contemporary social and political theory. The volume includes a substantial introduction that describes the context of Lefort's writings and highlights the central themes of his work.