Legitimacy and Politics: A Contribution to the Study of Political Right and Political Responsibility

by Jean-Marc Coicaud

Book Overview

Instances of corruption, extremism, and public distrust have increasingly raised the question of political legitimacy in recent years. The author examines the issue by looking at the conditions necessary for a rule of law to exist. He argues that in a democracy the greater the powers given to a political leader, the greater that leader's responsibilities toward society. In order to enjoy legitimacy therefore, our rulers must assume these responsibilities and be held accountable for them. This book will be of interest to political and social theorists and political philosophers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521787823
• ISBN13: 9780521787826
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"