Montesquieu and the Logic of Liberty: War, Religion, Commerce, Climate, Terrain, Technology, Uneasiness of Mind, the Spirit of Political Vigilance, an

Rahe, Paul Anthony

ISBN 10: 030016808X / ISBN 13: 9780300168082

Published by Yale University Press 2010-08, 2010

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9780300168082

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Montesquieu and the Logic of Liberty: War, Religion, Commerce, Climate, Terrain, Technology, Uneasiness of Mind, the Spirit of Political Vigilance, an
• Publisher: Yale University Press 2010-08
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 030016808X
• ISBN 13: 9780300168082
• Binding: PF
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This fresh examination of the works of Montesquieu seeks to understand the shortcomings of the modern democratic state in light of this great political thinker's insightful critique of commercial republicanism. The western democracies' muted response to victory in the Cold War signaled the presence of a pervasive discontent, a sense that despite this victory liberal democracy itself was deeply flawed. Paul A. Rahe argues that to understand this phenomenon we must re-examine-starting with Montesquieu-the nature of liberal democracy, its character, and its propensities. In a brilliant exposition of the works of Montesquieu Rahe identifies the profound sense of uneasiness fostered by the modern republic as a source of weakness and as the principal cause of the present discontents.

About the Author

The author of Soft Despotism, Democracy’s Drift, Paul A. Rahe holds the Charles O. Lee and Louise K. Lee Chair in the Western Heritage at Hillsdale College.