The Perversity of Politics

The Perversity of Politics explores the paradoxical nature of political behavior, where the pursuit of advantage involves both conquest and cooperation. It argues that the power overtone, the desire for future freedom of action, is the key to mitigating conflict in politics. The book highlights the enduring tension between religion and state, as well as the limitations of social sciences in understanding politics. It concludes that democratic government is best equipped to address the power overtone and reduce conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Perversity of Politics, first published in 1986, delves into the intricate and paradoxical nature of political behavior. This pursuit of advantage manifests itself in two distinct yet interconnected ways: the spoils of conquest and the rewards of cooperation. These two facets of politics raise a perennial question: why have cooperative prospects, which offer the promise of mutual benefits, never fully immunized politics, both domestically and internationally, against the dangers and sacrifices of conflict?

In seeking to answer this question, the book introduces the concept of the power overtone. It suggests that the quest for security, rather than immediate gratification, involves strategic maneuvering by individuals and groups to secure future freedom of action. The perversity of politics is further exacerbated by conflict sources that defy ultimate resolution. An ancient and enduring example is the uneasy relationship between religion and state, where each side struggles to ascertain where advantage lies. Moreover, the social sciences, caught in the dogmas of nature versus nature, exemplified by the fundamentally different approaches to governance by James Madison and Karl Marx, do not alleviate the perversity of politics.

In the final chapter, the book emphasizes the American experience as a case study. It argues that democratic government is particularly well-suited to abate the power overtone and mitigate conflict. This conclusion is of paramount importance for students of political studies and political sociology, as it provides valuable insights into the dynamics of political behavior and the mechanisms that can promote peace and stability in society.

Overall, The Perversity of Politics is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers valuable perspectives on the complex and often unpredictable world of politics. Its exploration of the power overtone and the challenges posed by conflict sources provides a valuable foundation for understanding the dynamics of political systems and the strategies that can be employed to promote peace and stability.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032643595