Harold Laski: Problems of Democracy, the Sovereign State, and International Society

Harold Laski, born in England at the end of the Nineteenth-century, is a theorist who helped shape political thought throughout much of the first half of the Twentieth-century. Primarily recognized for his contribution to the British pluralist tradition, arguing against state sovereignty and advocating devolution of political power to non-state organizations, Laski's latest writings focused on the relation between capitalism and the sovereign state. This book explores both Laksi's pluralist thinking as well as his later writings on the problems of maintaining and developing democracy and freedom both within and in the relations between capitalist societies. Lamb seeks to explore Laski's work on international politics and its continuing significance to the understanding of politics and the state today.

Auteur

PETER LAMB is a Politics instructor in the School of Politics, International Relations and the Environment at Keele University, UK.

Résumé
This book examines the political and international thought of Harold Laski (1893-1950). The early chapters discuss his socialist critique of politics within states, paying close attention to the turbulent environment of the early to mid-twentieth century. His ideas on democracy, rights, freedom and sovereignty are closely analyzed and clarified. The book goes on to discuss the way in which he applied many of his political ideas to the analysis of international politics. The final chapter investigates the contemporary significance of his work. Laski will be of interest to scholars today who explore the overlapping themes of political and international thought.

Contenu

Introduction The Evolution of Laski's Thought The Limits of Capitalist Democracy Liberty: A Victim of Capitalist Democracy State Sovereignty and Class Power Problems of International Politics: The Inter-War Era Problems of International Politics: War and the Post-War Order Conclusion: Laski's Enduring Significance