Global Civil Society? (Contemporary Political Theory)

New
Illustrated
2010
$30.01

John Keane, a leading scholar of political theory, tracks the recent development of a big idea with fresh potency - global civil society. In this timely book, Keane explores the contradictory forces currently nurturing or threatening its growth, and he shows how talk of global civil society implies a political vision of a less violent world, founded on legally sanctioned power-sharing arrangements among different and intermingling forms of socio-economic life. Keane's reflections are pitted against the widespread feeling that the world is both too complex and too violent to deserve serious reflection. His account borrows from various scholarly disciplines, including political science and international relations, to challenge the silence and confusion within much of contemporary literature on globalisation and global governance. Against fears of terrorism, rising tides of xenophobia, and loose talk of 'anti-globalisation', the defence of global civil society mounted here implies the need for new democratic ways of living.

Synopsis

John Keane, a leading scholar of political theory, tracks the recent development of a big idea with fresh potency - global civil society. In this timely book, Keane explores the contradictory forces currently nurturing or threatening its growth, and he shows how talk of global civil society implies a political vision of a less violent world, founded on legally sanctioned power-sharing arrangements among different and intermingling forms of socio-economic life. Keane's reflections are pitted against the widespread feeling that the world is both too complex and too violent to deserve serious reflection. His account borrows from various scholarly disciplines, including political science and international relations, to challenge the silence and confusion within much of contemporary literature on globalisation and global governance. Against fears of terrorism, rising tides of xenophobia, and loose talk of 'anti-globalisation', the defence of global civil society mounted here implies the need for new democratic ways of living.

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More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 236
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 08 Sep 2010
ISBN 10: 052189462X
ISBN 13: 9780521894623
Book Overview: Explores the historical origins, present-day meanings and political potential of a global civil society.

Media Reviews

The most learned, erudite, and encompassing book on the global civil society of this century.' Amitai Etzioni, author of The New Golden Rule
'John Keane's book is an imaginative and productive experiment in contemporary democratic thinking. It is challenging and provocative, and it provides structured orientation in a wide, confusing and unsettled field.' Hans-Jurgen Puhle, University of Frankfurt
'John Keane has applied his sharp intellect and moral commitments to a topic of political importance but persistent conceptual confusion to produce a book of forceful clarity and coherence. A sparkling contribution to contemporary political thought.' Bryan Turner, University of Cambridge
'... really thought-provoking in addressing a number of issues that we confront in a contemporary world that is becoming more interdependent and volatile than ever ... the book is genuinely stimulating and enjoyable in many respects. The space here is too short to summarise its rich arguments, and readers are invited to take their own look.' Development Policy Review
The book contains...brilliant thoughts that make reading it worthwhile...The major strength of Keane's book is the profound learnedness and academic confidence its chapters convey to the reader. Helmut K. Anheier, University of California, Los Angeles, and the London School of Economics, American Journal of Sociology
The most learned, erudite, and encompassing book on the global civil society, of this century. Amitai Etzioni, Author of The New Golden Rule
John Keane's book is an imaginative and productive experiment in contemporary democratic thinking. It is challenging and provocative, and it provides structured orientation in a wide, confusing and unsettled field. Hans-Jurgen Puhle, University of Frankfurt
John Keane has applied his sharp intellect and moral commitments to a topic of political importance but persistent conceptual confusion to produce a book of forceful clarity and coherence. A sparkling contribution to contemporary political thought. Bryan Turner, University of Cambridge
This book is an invaluable contribution to a subject of increasing significance in the 21st century. Highly recommended. Choice