Stock image for illustration purposes only - book cover, edition or condition may vary.
Nation of Devils: Democratic Leadership and the Problem of Obedience
Stein Ringen
€ 66.62
FREE Delivery in Ireland
Description for Nation of Devils: Democratic Leadership and the Problem of Obedience
Hardback. Every government must make unpopular demands of its citizens, from levying taxes to enforcing laws and monitoring compliance to regulations. The challenge, the author argues, is that power is not enough; the populace must also be willing to be led. He addresses this political conundrum unabashedly, using the US and Britain as his prime examples. Num Pages: 224 pages, 1 b&w illustration. BIC Classification: 1DBK; 1KBB; HPS; JPHV; JPP. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 237 x 164 x 24. Weight in Grams: 532.
Oxford University political theorist Stein Ringen offers a thought-provoking meditation on the art of democratic rule: how does a government persuade the people to accept its authority? Every government must make unpopular demands of its citizens, from levying taxes to enforcing laws and monitoring compliance to regulations. The challenge, Ringen argues, is that power is not enough; the populace must also be willing to be led. Ringen addresses this political conundrum unabashedly, using the United States and Britain as his prime examples, providing sharp opinions and cogent analyses on how the culture of national obedience is created and nurtured. He explores the paths leaders must choose if they wish to govern by authority rather than power, or, as the philosopher Immanuel Kant put it, to “maintain order in a nation of devils.”
Product Details
Format
Hardback
Publication date
2013
Publisher
Yale University Press
Number of pages
224
Condition
New
Number of Pages
264
Place of Publication
, United States
ISBN
9780300193190
SKU
V9780300193190
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 4 to 8 working days
Ref
99-1
About Stein Ringen
Stein Ringen is professor emeritus of sociology and social policy at Oxford University. He lives in London.
Reviews for Nation of Devils: Democratic Leadership and the Problem of Obedience
“This is a terrific book that I can imagine readers turning back to again and again. It is a major contribution to the literature of political science. One of Ringen's greatest accomplishments here is that he reminds readers why this field was interesting in the first place."—Alan Wolfe, Boston College
Alan Wolfe “Nation of Devils crackles with dry epigrams. It reminds readers of how the supply-side of politics—law and government—is often neglected for the noisy demand-side that is the purview of voters and lobbyists”—The Economist
The Economist
“Cast[s] fresh light on a tired subject. . . . Nation of Devils crackles with dry epigrams. It reminds readers of how the supply-side of politics—law and government—is often neglected for the noisy demand-side that is the purview of voters and lobbyists. Demanding and idealistic, yes. But also a democracy for grown-ups.”—The Economist
The Economist
".. lively and thoughtful .. crisp and no-nonsense. Ringen's thesis is that better political leadership is possible."—Mark Mazower, Financial Times
Mark Mazower
Financial Times
Alan Wolfe “Nation of Devils crackles with dry epigrams. It reminds readers of how the supply-side of politics—law and government—is often neglected for the noisy demand-side that is the purview of voters and lobbyists”—The Economist
The Economist
“Cast[s] fresh light on a tired subject. . . . Nation of Devils crackles with dry epigrams. It reminds readers of how the supply-side of politics—law and government—is often neglected for the noisy demand-side that is the purview of voters and lobbyists. Demanding and idealistic, yes. But also a democracy for grown-ups.”—The Economist
The Economist
".. lively and thoughtful .. crisp and no-nonsense. Ringen's thesis is that better political leadership is possible."—Mark Mazower, Financial Times
Mark Mazower
Financial Times