Marc Stears Books

The book explores the transformation of British and American leftist theories into a unified ideology through innovative conceptual and institutional analysis, backed by extensive archival research. It challenges traditional narratives that highlight the exceptionalism of each movement, proposing instead that their core commitments were continuously influenced by international ideological exchanges. This approach sheds light on the interconnectedness of political thought across borders, revealing the dynamic nature of leftist ideologies.

In an era marked by polarization, the author argues that both political extremes have lost faith in the capabilities of ordinary people. Drawing parallels to historical crises from the 1920s to the 1950s, he highlights how a diverse group of British creators—like George Orwell and Dylan Thomas—championed a politics rooted in everyday experiences. Their works celebrated the potential of individuals to navigate complex societal challenges, ultimately shaping a vision for national renewal exemplified by the 1951 Festival of Britain. Stears emphasizes the relevance of these ideas for contemporary society.

This book presents a nuanced exploration of contemporary England, challenging prevailing myths and political narratives. Authors Tom Baldwin and Marc Stears embark on a journey across diverse landscapes, from rural areas to urban centers, engaging with a variety of voices, including politicians and activists. They advocate for a more humble approach to politics, focusing on real lives rather than grand promises. Through vivid storytelling, the authors aim to redefine England's identity in the wake of profound societal changes, highlighting its complexities and shared ownership.

This is a major work of history and political theory that traces radical democratic thought in America across the twentieth century, seeking to recover ideas that could reenergize democratic activism today. The question of how citizens should behave as they struggle to create a more democratic society has haunted the United States throughout its hi

Is the way in which political philosophy is conducted today too ahistorical? Does such ahistoricism render political philosophy too abstract? Is political philosophy thus incapable of dealing with the realities of political life? This volume brings together some of the world's leading political philosophers to address these crucial questions. The contributors focus especially on political philosophy's pretensions to universality and on its strained relationship with the world of real politics. Some chapters argue that political philosophers should not be cowed by the accusations levied against them from outside of their own field. Others insist that these accusations require a dramatic reshaping of normative political thought. The volume will spark controversy across political philosophy and beyond.

Political Theory: Methods and Approaches is one of the first books to analyze research methods in political theory and political philosophy. Drawing together essays by a distinguished set of contributors, this rich and varied collection introduces students to many of the often unelaborated methods and approaches that currently inform the work of leading scholars in the field. The selections consider how political theory should be conducted today and also examine the complex and contested connections between political theory and a range of adjacent disciplines-moral philosophy, the empirical social sciences, the history of political thought, the world of "real" politics, critical social theory, and ideology. Both individually and as a collection, these essays will promote understanding and provoke further debate amongst students and established scholars alike.