Political Theory: A Global and Comparative Introduction

This groundbreaking work presents a transformative perspective on political theory. This text is not just an introduction to political theory, it′s a call to broaden the discipline′s horizons, making it more globally aware and methodologically diverse.

The authors introduce a novel approach to political theory that expands the scope of the discipline beyond traditional philosophical texts and Eurocentric perspectives. The text integrates canonical Western texts with diverse sources of political thought from a wide range of times and places - spanning the Vedas to the Quran, the Upanishads to the Popol Vuh. This is the first introductory text to incorporate such a variety of texts and authors with each thinker (whether Plato or Laozi, Du Bois or Confucius) introduced in a way that’s both accessible and relevant today.

The text also demonstrates the possibilities for comparison and connections in teaching political theory. Cross-cutting themes of gender, race and colonialism connect disparate ideas across time periods and geographies, forging a comprehensive network of political thought.

This pioneering textbook reshapes the way political theory is taught and understood and is an essential companion for all undergraduate and postgraduate students of political theory as much as it will be for anyone interested in global political thought. This text is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the full spectrum of political thought and its application in today′s interconnected world.

Leigh K. Jenco is Professor of Political Theory at the LSE’s Department of Government, UK.

Paulina Ochoa Espejo is John L. Nau III Professor of the Principles and History of Democracy at the University of Virginia, USA.

Murad Idris is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan, USA.