Left and Right in Global Politics

Argues that the left–right political divide connects the local, national and the global in a world debate.

Alain Noël (Author), Jean-Philippe Thérien (Author)

9780521705837, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 29 May 2008

264 pages, 1 b/w illus. 6 tables
23.5 x 15 x 1.5 cm, 0.43 kg

'Left and Right in Global Politics focuses on a surprisingly under-researched dimension of modern life, and does so in an engaging and comprehensive way. The book provides a wonderful way to introduce students to contemporary world politics.' Craig N. Murphy, Wellesley College

Few notions are as universal as the idea of a left-right divide in politics. Despite its death being frequently foretold, the left-right metaphor remains the most common lens through which to interpret political life locally, nationally and globally. Left and Right in Global Politics argues that the left-right divide connects these different levels into a world political debate. Interpreting the left-right dichotomy as an enduring debate about equality, Noël and Thérien analyse opinion polls and social discourses to demonstrate how this debate shapes both individual and collective views of public affairs. Setting their findings in a historical perspective, they then show that for more than two centuries the conflict between progressives and conservatives has structured both domestic and international politics. They conclude by discussing the implications of their argument for the analysis of world politics, and contend that the left-right opposition is here to stay.

Introduction
1. A clash over equality
2. A worldwide value divide
3. Two tales of globalization
4. The rise of the modern state system (1776–1945)
5. The age of universality (1945–1980)
6. The triumph of market democracy (1980–2007)
7. Twenty-first century rapprochement
8. The core currency of political exchange
Conclusion. 

Subject Areas: Political economy [KCP], International relations [JPS], Comparative politics [JPB], Sociology [JHB]