Introduction

Abstract

This edition examines the most important, visible, and influential strands in political theory over the last fifteen years. It considers problems of political obligation, liberty, the limits of toleration, the nature of democracy, requirements of equality and social justice, the concept of crime and approaches to punishment, and the promise and problems of multiculturalism. It also explores problems that cross state borders, and in some cases call into question the moral legitimacy of those borders. Through exploration of ‘just war theory’, the text analyses the moral principles governing inevitable armed conflicts between states. Finally, it discusses approaches to features of the human condition that theories addressing intra- and inter-state relations must be sensitive to. This introduction explains what political theory is and emphasizes the difference that good arguments in political theory might make to the real world. It also provides an overview of the plan of this text.