The Dictionary of Political Thought presents, through one hundred and twenty-eight entries, in a simple and accessible manner, the main currents of ideas, major philosophical discussions, and key authors of Western political thought. It covers all historical periods from antiquity to the present moment, addressing a very wide range of topics: ancient philosophy, medieval doctrines, Renaissance humanism, major Enlightenment projects, as well as reflections on power, justice, the state, the nation, democracy, socialism, liberalism, totalitarianism, or communism. Guided by a commitment to accuracy, conciseness, and clarity, it presents political ideas in their relation to social, political, and cultural developments in Europe and the world. Some excerpts are dedicated to authors and their works, while others deal with a central philosophical concept or idea that has nourished thinking on power and society. Finally, others, favoring a historical perspective, address the evolution of doctrinal or intellectual sensibilities. The dictionary is particularly useful for students studying philosophy, law, history, and political science, and for the general non-specialist reader. It will be especially beneficial for political science students, as it provides all the means to deepen their knowledge of the major discussions that have influenced the course of history.
A dominant paradigm has controlled the literature dealt with by Western missionaries, adventurers, and orientalists (who played a role equivalent to that of anthropologists and ethnologists in the African continent), solidifying knowledge of minorities through tragedy and trauma. Therefore, it calls for changing this paradigm by rediscovering the rich diversity in the region and its relationship to the changing political and social context.
