This in-depth introduction to theoretical topics, such as liberty and democracy, covers basic terminology and summarizes the perspectives of the major political thinkers and philosophers throughout Western history. Examples drawn from current political events illustrate the material.

This is a unique political theory textbook that invites students to apply the concepts they encounter to real world politics. Each chapter includes a 2,000 word case study to highlight the theories that have been discussed. The lucid and elegant contributions by leading thinkers enables engagement with the subject at its sharp end without any compromise in accessibility. This is essential reading for all political theory students from beginners onwards. Online Resource CentreThe book is accompanied by the following resources:Student Site:Case studies for each chapterAnnotated web links for each chapterLinks to journal articlesInstructor Site:Essay questions, seminar questions and activities

This political theory textbook invites students to apply the concepts they encounter to real world politics. Each chapter includes a 2000 word case study to highlight the theories that have been discussed.

Colin Farrelly's central objective in writing this introductory text is to demonstrate to students the practical relevance of contemporary theoretical debates to everyday issues in policy creation and implementation and politics.

This in-depth introduction to theoretical topics, such as liberty and democracy, covers basic terminology and summarizes the perspectives of the major political thinkers and philosophers throughout Western history. Examples drawn from current political events illustrate the material.

`Colin Farrelly has gathered together in one volume several of the key texts that have shaped recent developments in political theory. The structure of the book reflects that of many courses offering surveys of recent debates between liberals and their critics. It is an excellent teaching resource′ - Shane O′Neill, Queen′s University, Belfast `An excellent selection of key pieces that have shaped the debates that dominate contemporary political philosophy. Each section is prefaced with a clear and insightful introduction which gives a valuable commentary on each piece, sets it in its context, and indicates its influence on the field. This book will be a very useful resource for students of these debates from all backgrounds′ - Catriona McKinnon, University of York Contemporary Political Theory provides an accessible introduction to the key works of major contemporary political theorists. Key theorists and writers include John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Michael Walzer, Michael Sandel, Susan Okin, Will Kymlicka, Iris Marion Young, Charles Taylor, Nancy Fraser and John Dryzek. The readings are organized thematically into seven sections on egalitarian-liberalism, libertarianism, communitarianism, republicanism, feminism, deliberative democracy, and multiculturalism. A substantial introduction is provided to each to identify the main issues and the significance of the carefully selected excerpts that follow. The result is a complete but concise guide through the literature and major topics and areas of debate in contemporary political theory and political philosophy. Colin Farrelly is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Contemporary Political Theory: A Reader will complement his textbook Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory also published by SAGE Publications.

How can we best understand the major debates and recent movements in contemporary empirical political theory? Is there a human nature on which we can construct scientific theories of political life? What is the role of culture in shaping any such nature? How objective and value-free can political theories be? These are only a few of the issues addressed by this collection of essays from a disparate group of contributors.

This political theory textbook invites students to apply the concepts they encounter to real world politics. Each chapter includes a 2,000 word case study to highlight the theories that have been discussed.

Oxford Handbooks of Political Science are the essential guide to the state of political science today. With engaging contributions from 51 major international scholars, the Oxford Handbook of Political Theory provides the key point of reference for anyone working in political theory and beyond.