The Terms of Order

Political Science and the Myth of Leadership

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Practical Politics, Social Science, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies
Cover of the book The Terms of Order by Cedric J. Robinson, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Cedric J. Robinson ISBN: 9781469628226
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: March 9, 2016
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Cedric J. Robinson
ISBN: 9781469628226
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: March 9, 2016
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

Do we live in basically orderly societies that occasionally erupt into violent conflict, or do we fail to perceive the constancy of violence and disorder in our societies? In this classic book, originally published in 1980, Cedric J. Robinson contends that our perception of political order is an illusion, maintained in part by Western political and social theorists who depend on the idea of leadership as a basis for describing and prescribing social order.

Using a variety of critical approaches in his analysis, Robinson synthesizes elements of psychoanalysis, structuralism, Marxism, classical and neoclassical political philosophy, and cultural anthropology in order to argue that Western thought on leadership is mythological rather than rational. He then presents examples of historically developed "stateless" societies with social organizations that suggest conceptual alternatives to the ways political order has been conceived in the West. Examining Western thought from the vantage point of a people only marginally integrated into Western institutions and intellectual traditions, Robinson's perspective radically critiques fundamental ideas of leadership and order.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Do we live in basically orderly societies that occasionally erupt into violent conflict, or do we fail to perceive the constancy of violence and disorder in our societies? In this classic book, originally published in 1980, Cedric J. Robinson contends that our perception of political order is an illusion, maintained in part by Western political and social theorists who depend on the idea of leadership as a basis for describing and prescribing social order.

Using a variety of critical approaches in his analysis, Robinson synthesizes elements of psychoanalysis, structuralism, Marxism, classical and neoclassical political philosophy, and cultural anthropology in order to argue that Western thought on leadership is mythological rather than rational. He then presents examples of historically developed "stateless" societies with social organizations that suggest conceptual alternatives to the ways political order has been conceived in the West. Examining Western thought from the vantage point of a people only marginally integrated into Western institutions and intellectual traditions, Robinson's perspective radically critiques fundamental ideas of leadership and order.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Slavery on Trial by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book The Other Missiles of October by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book American Originals by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Contracultura by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Journal of the Civil War Era by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Conceiving Freedom by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Gender and the Mexican Revolution by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Southern Cultures by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Crafting a Continuum by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Crossroads of the Natural World by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Southern Capitalists by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Golden State, Golden Youth by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Torching the Fink Books and Other Essays on Vernacular Culture by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book Piero Gleijeses' International History of the Cold War in Southern Africa, Omnibus E-Book by Cedric J. Robinson
Cover of the book The Work of Recognition by Cedric J. Robinson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy