Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, Todd May shows how democratic progressive politics can happen and how it is happening in very different arenas. He takes an intensive look at a range of contemporary political movements and shows how, to one degree or another, they exemplify the political thought of Jacques Rancière. May''s easy, clear writing style means that no philosophical background is required.Following an essential overview of Rancière''s thought he considers the following groups: the Algerian refugee movement in Montreal for citizenship, the first Palestinian intifada, the politics of equality and identity politics in relation to the Zapatista movement, a local food co-op in South Carolina and an anarchist press in Oakland.Essentially this book shows how political theory and practice can enlighten one another and in an age of cynicism, fear and despair, Todd May suggests there is hope for the possibility of progressive democratic action. It will appeal to Rancière students, scholars and political activists alike.
Trade ReviewThis is a timely, accessible and inspiring study of democracy in action. As a critic and as an activist Todd May has always insisted on the unity of theory and practice, but with this pathbreaking new book he has taken a crucial and unprecedented step both in the interpretation of Ranciere's philosophy and in the analysis of contemporary egalitarian projects. -- Peter Hallward, Kingston University This is a timely, accessible and inspiring study of democracy in action. As a critic and as an activist Todd May has always insisted on the unity of theory and practice, but with this pathbreaking new book he has taken a crucial and unprecedented step both in the interpretation of Ranciere's philosophy and in the analysis of contemporary egalitarian projects.
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Thinking Politics With Jacques Ranciere; 2. Equality Among the Refugees: Montreal's Sans-Status Algerian Movement; 3. Subjectification in the First Palestinian Intifada; 4. The Zapatistas: From Identity to Equality; 5. Institutions of Equality; 6. Democratic Politics Now; Index.
