The Economic Limits to Modern Politics [Paperback]

Studies the impact of the economic dimension on political issues and decision making.Understanding economic dimensions is the most important theoretical and practical problem of contemporary politics. Based upon their respective disciplines, a range of contributors attempt to clarify economic limitations within a political context.Understanding economic dimensions is the most important theoretical and practical problem of contemporary politics. Based upon their respective disciplines, a range of contributors attempt to clarify economic limitations within a political context.The central problem of modern government and political action is how to choose and implement effective economic policies. For this reason, the economic considerations of public policy have assumed a more prominent place in contemporary political thought. Despite efforts among political scientists, economists, and sociologists to fathom the complexities of this added dimension, none of these solid sciences offers a satisfying approach to the problem. This volume attempts to display the historical novelty and intellectual importance of this dilemma, to uncover its origins, and to procure a remedy through a clearer and steadier focus. The book's contributors range from historians of ideas to economic theorists, who bring the approach of their own intellectual discipline to bear upon the issue.Preface; Introduction; 1. The economic limits to modern politics John Dunn; 2. The wealth of one nation and the dynamics of international competition Istvan Hont; 3. The political limits to pre-modern politics J. G. A. Pocock; 4. The economic constraints on political programs Frank H. Hahn; 5. International liberalism reconsidered Robert O. Keohane; 6. Capitalism, socialism, and democracy: compatibilities and contradictions John Dunn. For anyone interested in how the role of the state has changed over time, in the interdependencies between economic structure and what can and can't be achieved through governmentl†