The Politics of Place: Montesquieu, Particularism, and the Pursuit of Liberty

Joshua Bandoch's book "The Politics of Place" challenges the idea that the right political order can be found for all times and places, arguing that it is instead determined by the circumstances of a particular place. He shows that Montesquieu's political thought was innovative in recognizing the importance of place and that the American founding was based on a good political order, of which there are numerous versions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

This in-depth analysis of Montesquieu's political science demonstrates that geography plays a crucial role in shaping the most effective political system. Numerous Enlightenment thinkers aimed to establish the ideal political order that would apply to all times and locations, and scholars frequently regard Montesquieu as a key figure in this endeavor. However, in this reevaluation of Montesquieu's political thought, Joshua Bandoch argues that Montesquieu deviated from this ideal and proposed a more fruitful approach to the study of politics by considering the diversity of societies. By meticulously examining Montesquieu's political writings, Bandoch demonstrates that for Montesquieu, the politics, economics, and morals of a society must align with the specific characteristics of its place and its people. As long as states prioritize the pursuit of security, liberty, and prosperity, they have the capacity and the responsibility to define and advance these goals in their unique ways.

Montesquieu recognized that the circumstances of a place, encompassing its religion, commerce, laws, institutions, physical environment, and cultural norms, determine the most suitable political order for that particular region. In essence, Montesquieu can be considered the pioneering innovator of what Bandoch refers to as the politics of place. This revised interpretation of Montesquieu also offers valuable insights into the American founding, which Montesquieu had a significant influence on. Instead of discerning the ideal political order, Bandoch contends that the Founders established a good political order, which has various incarnations.

Joshua Bandoch holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Notre Dame. He has taught at Brown University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648250521