The "great dichotomy" between left and right has been a feature of pluralist politics since its emergence in modern times. Left and right are also central to the understanding of the political history of the twentieth century and may be gaining renewed visibility in the context of the current economic crisis, both in Europe and beyond. Should scholars think, once again, with and within the dichotomy, or can they think better beyond its strictures? The contributions to this volume provide answers to these and other questions in ways that are theoretically sound and empirically informed.