The end of the Cold War has brought about more than the triumph of some political ideologies & the disappearance of others. Rather, the collapse of communism has created a vacuum being filled by various alternative visions, ranging from ethnic nationalism to individualistic liberalism.But political ideologies are not merely a matter of governmental efficacy.Rather political ideologies are intrinsically & inescapably religious - each carries certain assumptions about the nature of reality, individuals & society, as well as a particular vision of the common good. These fundamental beliefs transcend the political sphere, and thwe astute Christain observer should thus discern the subtle ways in which ideologies are rooted in idolatrous worldviews.
In this comprehensive study, political scientist David Koyzis surveys the key political ideaologies of our era, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democracy & socialism. Each ideology is given careful analysis & fair critique, unpacking the worldviews inherent to each and pointing out essential strengths & weaknesses. Koyzis concludes by proposing alternative models that flow out of Christianity's historic engagement with the public sqare, retrieving approaches that hold promise for the complex political realities of the twenty first century.
Writing with broad, international perspective & keen analytical insight, Koyzis offers a sound guide to all students of modern political thought.
Dr. David Koyzis teaches political science at Redeemer University College in Ontario.