Description: Wide-ranging in perspective, this introduction to political ideas and movements of the modern world is ideal for those new to the subject. It covers not only ideas, but also institutional analysis, and contemporary challenges. Explores the nature of the state and power in general; analyzes the ideas and characteristics of the liberal-democratic state, and pluralist, elitist, and Marxist theories of its power structure. Examines different forms of state -- i.e., Communism and Fascism -- and the reasons for their collapse. Considers movements and ideas that are challenging the nature of the contemporary state - -feminist theories which see the state as a preserve of male power, and nationalist movements which hope to remold the state on ethnic lines. Analyzes contemporary challenges to the liberal-democratic state and reviews the theoretical debate on the state today. For those interested in political theory.

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