Left and Right in Global Politics

Few notions are as universal as the idea of a left-right divide in politics. Despite its death being frequently foretold, the left-right metaphor remains the most common lens through which to interpret political life locally, nationally and globally. Left and Right in Global Politics argues that the left-right divide connects these different levels into a world political debate. Interpreting the left-right dichotomy as an enduring debate about equality, Noël and Thérien analyse opinion polls and social discourses to demonstrate how this debate shapes both individual and collective views of public affairs. Setting their findings in a historical perspective, they then show that for more than two centuries the conflict between progressives and conservatives has structured both domestic and international politics. They conclude by discussing the implications of their argument for the analysis of world politics, and contend that the left-right opposition is here to stay.

Table of Contents:
Introduction; 1. A clash over equality; 2. A worldwide value divide; 3. Two tales of globalization; 4. The rise of the modern state system (1776–1945); 5. The age of universality (1945–1980); 6. The triumph of market democracy (1980–2007); 7. Twenty-first century rapprochement; 8. The core currency of political exchange; Conclusion. 

About the Author :
Alain Noel is Professor in the Department of Political Science of the Universite de Montreal. Jean-Philippe Therien is Professor in the Department of Political Science of the Universite de Montreal.

Review :
'Despite the proliferation of labels, such as the 'third way', 'post-material values', and 'new social movements', which presumably reflect a variety of new cleavages, Alain Noel and Jean-Philippe Therien show the durability and continuing importance of left-right politics. They demonstrate the salience of left-right concerns with extensive use of historical and comparative data. The result is a great book that is important both for its scholarly and public policy implications.' James A. Caporaso, University of Washington 'In this wide-ranging and lively study Noel and Therien argue that far from politics having moved beyond Left and Right in the era of globalisation, a new argument between Left and Right has emerged about the nature and future of globalisation itself. They provide a valuable guide both to the historical development of the Left and the Right, and to why these categories remain central to an understanding of contemporary world politics.' Andrew Gamble, University of Cambridge 'It might be considered daring, even hot-headed, to return to the topic of 'Left' and 'Right'. Noel and Therien have met the challenge successfully, and produced the most thorough study on this subject I have seen. Their book provides an excellent survey of the literature, and goes beyond the study of state and society across the world to analyse the global polity itself. Not only a must read but also an enjoyable one.' Bahgat Korany, American University in Cairo 'Left and Right in Global Politics focuses on a surprisingly under-researched dimension of modern life, and does so in an engaging and comprehensive way. The book provides a wonderful way to introduce students to contemporary world politics.' Craig N. Murphy, Wellesley College