Republicanism in Theory and Practice

Recent claims that civic republicanism can better address contemporary political problems than either liberalism or communitarianism are generating an intense debate. This is a sharp insight into this debate, confronting normative theory with historical and comparative analysis. It examines whether republican theory can address contemporary political problems in ways that are both valuable and significantly different in practice from liberalism. These expert authors offer contrasting perspectives on issues raised by the contemporary revival of republicanism and adopt a variety of methodological approaches to address the practical implications of republican thought within a coherent thematic framework. This book also*clarifies core themes and contested areas of republican thought, especially the notion of liberty, the specific political institutions needed to realize it, and the nature of solidarity among citizens.* shows how republicanism continued to influence the development of liberal thought in nineteenth century Britain * examines the development of alternative republican discourses, including the established political practice and ideology of the French republican tradition* applies republican perspectives to contemporary political concerns such as the creation of social trust and the expansion of public accountability * explores the implications of republican theory for policy areas including houses, education and marriage in diverse multicultural societiesThis book will be of great interest to researchers and students studying republicanism in political science history, social policy and education. In addition, it is a valuable resource for those concerned with citizenship, democratic theory, multiculturalism, nationalism and patriotism, and politics beyond the nation-state.

Iseult Honohan is a lecturer in political theory in the Department of Politics, University College Dublin. Her current research interests lie in republican theory and its applications to areas including citizenship and immigration, and issues of morality and public life in contemporary societies. She is the author of Civic Republicanism (Routledge, 2002).Jeremy Jennings is Professor of Political Theory, University of Birmingham. His research interests cover French (and European) political thought from the eighteenth century to the present day. He is completing Revolution and the Republic: a History of Political Thought in France since the Eighteenth Century (Oxford University Press, forthcoming).