Theories of Secession presents a systematic analysis of the recent rise of secessionist movements in global politics. Bringing together some of the most respected scholars in their field, this study locates the right to secede in the context of contemporary political theory. The chapters deal with problems of nationalism and federalism, special rights to secede, conditions of ethnic and cultural pluralism and asks if constitutions should include a right to secede.

Series Information:
Routledge/ECPR Studies in European Political Science

The contributors to this study address the question of how political theory is relevant to the construction of the new Europe and tie-in issues of citizenship, social justice and political legitimacy. By using techniques of contemporary political theory the book argues that the emergence of the new Europe poses fundamental questions of value and principle and challenges more established political theories in the process.

The contributors to this study address the question of how political theory is relevant to the construction of the new Europe and tie-in issues of citizenship, social justice and political legitimacy. By using techniques of contemporary political theory the book argues that the emergence of the new Europe poses fundamental questions of value and principle and challenges more established political theories in the process.

What is a just political order? What does justice require of us? These are perennial questions of political philosophy. John Rawls, generally acknowledged to be one of the most influential political philosophers of the twentieth century, answered them in a way that has drawn widespread attention, not only from political philosophers, but from political scientists, economists, those in the field of public policy, and experts in jurisprudence. It is not only academics who have been inspired by Rawls' ideas; they have also influenced the theory of government and continue to play a role in actual public political debates. This introduction outlines Rawls' work on the theory of justice. Focusing on Rawls' own writings, from his first publication in 1951 to his final ones some fifty years later, Percy B. Lehning demonstrates how and why they can be considered as one consistent and coherent body of work.

What is a just political order? What does justice require of us? These are perennial questions of political philosophy. John Rawls, generally acknowledged to be one of the most influential political philosophers of the twentieth century, answered them in a way that has drawn widespread attention, not only from political philosophers, but from political scientists, economists, those in the field of public policy, and experts in jurisprudence. It is not only academics who have been inspired by Rawls' ideas; they have also influenced the theory of government and continue to play a role in actual public political debates. This introduction outlines Rawls' work on the theory of justice. Focusing on Rawls' own writings, from his first publication in 1951 to his final ones some fifty years later, Percy B. Lehning demonstrates how and why they can be considered as one consistent and coherent body of work.