This new study presents a clear framework for students to understand today's key political ideas. It introduces students to the theoretical context of contemporary political ideas through a historical approach that brings them to life. Written in an accessible and concise format, the key features include: a clear structure of three sections, with each chapter providing detailed discussion of major theorists.Section I includes, The Inter-War Debate by Weber, Gramsci and Schmitt; Section II includes, Post-War Debates by Arendt, Oakeshott, De Beauvoir and Adorno; and Section III includes, Contemporary Debates by Rawls, Nozick, Kymlicak and Foucault 'rewind' and 'fast-forward' indicators to easily guide students around the text discussion points, revision notes and further reading in each chapter text boxes to highlight key concepts, people and events. By exploring an often ignored relationship in political thought, the influence of thought upon historical change and the influence of historical change upon theory, this text delivers new and exciting angles from which to approach politics today. "Contemporary Political Theorists in Context" is an essential reading for all students of politics and international relations.

Table of Contents

Introduction Part 1: The Inter-War Debate: New Theories of the State 1. Weber 2. Gramsci 3. Schmitt Part 2: Post-War debates: The Recovery of Politics 4. Arendt 5.De Beauvoir 6. Oakeshott 7. Adorno Part 3: Contemporary debates:Rights, Identity and Justice 8. Rawls & Nozick 9. Kymlicka 10. Foucault

Author Biography

London Metropolitan University, UK Institute of Technology, Sligo, Ireland