Legitimacy and Politics: A Contribution to the Study of Political Right and Political Responsibility

by Jean-Marc Coicaud

Overview

Instances of corruption, extremism, and public distrust have increasingly raised the question of political legitimacy in recent years. The author examines the issue by looking at the conditions necessary for a "rule of law" to exist. He argues that in a democracy the greater the powers given to a political leader, the greater that leader's responsibilities toward society. In order to enjoy legitimacy therefore, our rulers must assume these responsibilities and be held accountable for them. This book will be of interest to political and social theorists and political philosophers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521787826
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/31/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.79(d)
Lexile:	1600L (what's this?)

About the Author

Jean-Marc Coicaud is Senior Academic Officer on the Peace and Governance Program of the United Nations University (Tokyo).

Table of Contents

1. What is political legitimacy?; 2. Controversies around political legitimacy; 3. Modernity, rationality of the social sciences and legitimacy; 4. Social sciences, historicity and truth; 5. Study of politics, relation to history and de jure judgment; 6. Community experience, dynamic of possibilities and political legitimacy.