An introduction to social and political theory, discussing such topics as freedom, citizenship and rights; social justice and equality; and constitutionalism and democracy. The authors show how people view these concepts in different ways. They also offer solutions for resolving disputes.

This book presents an analysis of the political concepts. It focuses on enduring disputes about the nature of freedom, power, equality, justice, democracy, and authority. The book is useful for both first year and advanced students who seek to learn more about political theory.

This book offers a sophisticated analysis of central political concepts in the light of recent debates in political theory. It introduces readers to some of the main interpretations, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses, including a broad range of the main concepts used in contemporary debates on political theory. It tackles the principle concepts employed to justify any policy or institution and examines the main domestic purposes and functions of the state. It goes on to study the relationship between state and civil society and finally looks beyond the state to issues of global concern and inter-state relations.

This textbook has been carefully designed to meet the needs of students taking introductory courses in Politics. It is accessible and exciting, and by taking the widest possible definition of what is political it offers unrivalled coverage of the subject. Specially designed as an interactive text, it includes think points, exercises and extracts as well as a range of illustrative material to stimulate responses from the reader. The authors emphasise the role of the individual in politics, and the interplay between the personal, the national and the global. They introduce topical issues and examples to bring the subject to life. Features and benefits of Politics: An Introduction: * Comprehensive: includes chapters on political sociology, political institutions, the state, political parties and associations, political thought and a whole section on international and global politics * User-friendly : includes marginal comments, key words and definitions, extensive cross-referencing and a glossary * Clearly written: by a team who are all actively involved in teaching undergraduates and whose enthusiasm for teaching and engaging with students and issues is manifest * Encourages further study : through imaginative and annotated further reading sections at the ends of chapters and a consolidated bibliography.

This student friendly introduction to contemporary concepts and ideas will show why an understanding of political concepts is crucial to an understanding of political issues. By using real-life examples to relate political ideas to political realities, the hugely experienced author team make the subject lively and contentious in order to stimulate students to think about political theories in a new and refreshing way. Introduction to Political Concepts discusses traditional concepts such as state, liberty and justice. Using exposition and argument, the book enables readers to understand these traditional concepts and to develop a position on them. It also covers contemporary concepts, such as difference, human rights and terrorism, where the problems that these concepts address have either developed recently or have been given a new urgency by contemporary events. Suitable for 1st and 2nd year undergraduates studying political theory.

Forfatterens mål med denne bog er: 1) Analyse af de gældende teorier for international politik og hvad der heri er lagt størst vægt på. 2) Konstruktion af en teori for international politik som kan kan råde bod på de mangler, der er i de nu gældende. 3) Afprøvning af den rekonstruerede teori på faktiske hændelsesforløb.

Power and domination are central concepts in social science yet, up to now, they have been undertheorized. This wide-ranging book guides students through the complexities and implications of both concepts. It provides systematic accounts of current debates about the dynamics and rationale of state power in an era of globalization, social citizenship and the significance of social movements. The contributions of Parsons, Giddens, Foucault, Mann, Arendt, Habermas and Castells are clearly set out and critically assessed.