HAROLD J. LASKI: State and Ideology

Book Details

• Author: K. Chandra Shekhar

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• ISBN: 8170335012

• Publication Year: 1999

• Pages: 280

• Cover: Hardcover

• Sale Territory: India

About the Book

The Political Thought of Harold J. Laski offers a profound analysis of the political philosophy of Harold J. Laski, exploring his efforts to bridge the gap between individual freedom and social justice. The book begins by illustrating Laski’s attempt to reconcile the individual's rights with the social good, emphasizing his belief in liberty and equality as foundational principles.

The second half delves into a range of ideologies, including democracy, liberalism, socialism, communism, nazism, and fascism. Laski’s intellectual journey from liberalism to socialism and communism, culminating in his embrace of democratic socialism, is explored in detail. The author contends that Laski’s approach is neither strictly normative nor pragmatic, but rather eclectic, offering a unique synthesis of different political philosophies.

The book highlights Laski's call for a new social order grounded in liberty, equality, and moral values. The author also suggests that true development occurs when individuals transcend personal ego to contribute to the welfare of the state, thereby harmonizing moral action with social action. This book is a valuable resource for both students and scholars of political thought, offering analytical, descriptive, evaluative, and synthetic insights into Laski’s political legacy.

About the Author

K. Chandra Shekhar is a prominent academic in the field of political science, currently teaching at the Department of Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Political Science, Kuvempu University, B.R. Project, Karnataka. He has published extensively on political theory and the evolving political dynamics in India and globally.