Harold Laski Problems of Democracy, the Sovereign State, and International Society

This book examines the political and international thought of Harold Laski (1893-1950). The early chapters discuss his socialist critique of politics within states, paying close attention to the turbulent environment of the early to mid-twentieth century. His ideas on democracy, rights, freedom and sovereignty are closely analyzed and clarified. The book goes on to discuss the way in which he applied many of his political ideas to the analysis of international politics. The final chapter investigates the contemporary significance of his work. Laski will be of interest to scholars today who explore the overlapping themes of political and international thought.

Peter Lamb is a politics instructor in the School of Politics, International Relations and the Environment at Keele University.

Introduction * The Evolution of Laski's Thought * The Limits of Capitalist Democracy * Liberty: A Victim of Capitalist Democracy * State Sovereignty and Class Power * Problems of International Politics: The Inter-War Era * Problems of International Politics: War and the Post-War Order * Conclusion: Laski's Enduring Significance
Introduction * The Evolution of Laski's Thought * The Limits of Capitalist Democracy * Liberty: A Victim of Capitalist Democracy * State Sovereignty and Class Power * Problems of International Politics: The Inter-War Era * Problems of International Politics: War and the Post-War Order * Conclusion: Laski's Enduring Significance