Governmentality: Power and Rule in Modern Society

"Mitchell Dean has written an outstandingly clear and scholarly introduction to the central theses and methods of the analysis of the mentalities and techniques of rule… He not only provides a guide to Foucault′s own thought in this area, but he also draws upon other key thinkers in contemporary social theory to develop original and illuminating analysis of some principle formations of political power. Dean′s book should become required reading not just for those interested in the work of Michel Foucault, but for all those who are concerned with the dilemmas of contemporary politics."
- Nikolas Rose, Goldsmiths, Praise for the First Edition

Originally published in 1999 this exceptionally clear and lucid book quickly became the standard overview of what are now called ′governmentality studies′.

With its emphasis on the relationship between governmentality and other key concepts drawn from Michel Foucault, such as bio-politics and sovereignty, the first edition anticipated and defined the terms of contemporary debate and analysis. In this timely second edition Mitchell Dean engages with the full textual basis of Foucault′s lectures and once again provides invaluable insights into the traditions, methods and theories of political power identifying the authoritarian as well as liberal sides of governmentality.

Every chapter has been fully revised and updated to incorporate, and respond to, new theoretical, social and political developments in the field; a new introduction surveying the state of governmentality today has also been added as well as a completely new chapter on international governmentality.

Table of Contents:
Introduction to the Second Edition Basic Concepts and Themes Government and Governmentality An Analytics of Government Analyzing Regimes of Government Genealogy and Governmentality Genealogy and Government Liberalism, Critique and ′the Social′ Neo-Liberalism and Foucault Dependency and Empowerment: Two Case Studies Dependency Empowerment Conclusion Pastoral Power, Police and Reason of State Pastoral Power Reason of State and Police Conclusion Bio-Politics and Sovereignty Bio-Politics Sovereignty and the Governmentalization of the State Liberalism Economy Security Law and Norm Society and Social Government Authoritarian Governmentality The Illiberality of Liberal Government Bio-Politics, Race and Non-Liberal Rule Neo-Liberalism and Advanced Liberal Government Society, Freedom and Reform Advanced Liberal Government A Post-Welfarist Regime of the Social Risk and Reflexive Government Two Approaches to Risk Risk and Reflexive Modernization Insurance and Government Reflexive Government International Governmentality Foucault and the International Building on Foucault Conclusion: ′Not Bad... but Dangerous′ Postscript to the Second Edition: The Crisis of Neo-Liberal Governmentality?

About the Author :
Mitchell Dean is Professor of Public Governance, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark, and Professor of Sociology at the University of Newcastle, Australia. His previous books include Governmentality: Power and Rule in Modern Society (1999, revised second edition, SAGE, 2010),The Constitution of Poverty: Toward a Genealogy of Liberal Governance (Routledge, 1991/2012), Critical and Effective Histories: Foucault′s Methods and Historical Sociology (Routledge, 1994), and Governing Societies: Political Perspectives on Domestic and International Rule (Open University Press, 2007). His publications range across a large number of fields focusing on problems of government, sovereignty and power, liberalism and neoliberalism, political and social thought, historical sociology, and social and public policy. However he has also published on topics as diverse as risk management, e-government, political mythology, ancient societies, war and peace, contemporary art, cinema and fashion.

Review :
Mitchell Dean has written an outstandingly clear and scholarly introduction to the central theses and methods of the analysis of the mentalities and techniques of rule… He not only provides a guide to Foucault′s own thought in this area, but he also draws upon other key thinkers in contemporary social theory to develop original and illuminating analysis of some principle formations of political power. Dean′s book should become required reading not just for those interested in the work of Michel Foucault, but for all those who are concerned with the dilemmas of contemporary politics. This second edition thoughtfully extends and develops the original text, offers an illuminating new introduction and effectively outlines directions for further study and analysis. It will be welcomed and valued by teachers and students addressing Foucault′s work on governmentality and by those interested in exploring its contemporary relevance. Undoubtedly it is the key text in its field.