Harold Laski: Problems of Democracy, the Sovereign State, and International Society (The Palgrave Macmillan History of International Thought)

Harold Laski, born in England at the end of the Nineteenth-century, is a theorist who helped shape political thought throughout much of the first half of the Twentieth-century. Primarily recognized for his contribution to the British pluralist tradition, arguing against state sovereignty and advocating devolution of political power to non-state organizations, Laski's latest writings focused on the relation between capitalism and the sovereign state. This book explores both Laksi's pluralist thinking as well as his later writings on the problems of maintaining and developing democracy and freedom both within and in the relations between capitalist societies. Lamb seeks to explore Laski's work on international politics and its continuing significance to the understanding of politics and the state today. "Harold Laski's born in England at the end of the nineteenth century, was a theorist who helped shape political thought throughout much of the first half of the twentieth century. Primarily recognized for his contribution to the British pluralist tradition, arguing against state sovereignty and advocating devolution of political power to non-state organizations, Laski's later writings focused on the relation between capitalism and the sovereign state. This book explores Laski's pluralist thinking as well as his later writings on the problems of maintaining and developing democracy and freedom within and between capitalist societies. Lamb seeks to explore Laski's work on international politics and its continuing significance to the understanding of politics and the state today. The early chapters discuss Laski's socialist critique of politics within states, paying close attention to the turbulent environment of the early to mid-twentieth century. Peter Lamb closely analyzes and seeks to clarify Laski's ideas on democracy, rights, freedom and sovereignty. The book goes on to discuss the way in which he applied many of Laski's political ideas to the analysis of international politics. The final chapter investigates the contemporary significance of his work. Harold Laski will be of interest to scholars today who explore the overlapping themes of political and international thought."--BOOK JACKET. Harold Laski, born in England at the end of the Nineteenth century, is a theorist who helped shape political thought throughout much of the first half of the Twentieth century. Primarily recognized for his contribution to the British pluralist tradition, arguing against state sovereignty and advocating devolution of political power to non state organizations, Laski's latest writings focused on the relation between capitalism and the sovereign state. This book explores both Laksi's pluralist thinking as well as his later writings on the problems of maintaining and developing democracy and freedom both within and in the relations between capitalist societies. Lamb seeks to explore Laski's work on international politics and its continuing significance to the understanding of politics and the state today

This book examines the political and international thought of Harold Laski (1893-1950). The early chapters discuss his socialist critique of politics within states, paying close attention to the turbulent environment of the early to mid-twentieth century. His ideas on democracy, rights, freedom and sovereignty are closely analyzed and clarified. The book goes on to discuss the way in which he applied many of his political ideas to the analysis of international politics. The final chapter investigates the contemporary significance of his work. Laski will be of interest to scholars today who explore the overlapping themes of political and international thought.

Front Matter....Pages i-x Introduction....Pages 1-16 The Evolution of Laski’s Political Thought....Pages 17-44 The Limits of Capitalist Democracy....Pages 45-68 Liberty: A Victim of Capitalist Democracy....Pages 69-91 State Sovereignty and Class Power....Pages 93-113 Problems of International Politics: The Inter-War Era....Pages 115-145 Problems of International Politics: War and the Post-War Order....Pages 147-173 Conclusion: Laski’s Enduring Significance....Pages 175-193 Back Matter....Pages 195-218 Harold Laski achieved both prestige and notoriety for his critique of the modern state.