Left and Right in Global Politics

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.

Author: Alain Noël, Jean-Philippe Thérien
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 05/29/2008
Pages: 264
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780521705837

About the Author
Noël, Alain: - Alain Noël is Professor in the Department of Political Science of the Université de Montréal.Thérien, Jean-Philippe: - Jean-Philippe Thérien is Professor in the Department of Political Science of the Université de Montréal.