CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY

Political Theory is a field of study of politics through concepts and principles. It is primarily concerned with the ‘ought to be’ aspects of the nature, objectives and functioning of the state and government. Political Theory in this sense is primarily a systematic thought about objectives and nature of government, political activities, established political institutions and changes taking place in these fields.
Teaching of political theory in India, generally speaking, is either limited to history of political thought between Plato and Marx or empirical political theory or study of isms or contribution of Indian thinkers. Due to dearth of standard texts written by Indian scholars on contemporary political theory, teachers and students find difficulty in engaging with this subject. This book is aimed at filling this void and provides a systematic explanation of major trends in political theory over the last fifty years or more.
Contemporary Political Theory covers political theory mostly since the publication of John Rawls’ seminal work A Theory of Justice (1971) that revitalised normative political theory. Introducing the major theories, concepts and issues in contemporary political theory, this is a novel attempt by an Indian scholar. It covers a whole range of political theories that have dominated the field, including traditionalism, liberalism, communitarianism, Marxism, multiculturalism, feminism, green political theory, globalization and postmodernism. The book has tried to explain this difficult field of study in an accessible, cogent and concise manner. Scholars, teachers and students from Indian and other non-western world will find this text equally engaging. The book will open new vistas of understanding and opportunities to explore political theory and rekindle interest in the subject.