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Introduction. <p><b>1. History and the Decline of Politics.</b></p> <p><b>2. Freedom, Action and the Public Realm:</b>.</p> <p>Hannah Arendt's Polis and the Foundations of a Genuine Politics.</p> <p><b>3. The Public Realm under Siege:</b>.</p> <p>False Politics and the Modern Age.</p> <p><b>4.Totalitarianism.</b></p> <p><b>5. Revolution.</b></p> <p><b>6. What is Thinking Politically?</b> .</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> Whither Political Theory?.</p> <p>Notes.</p> <p>Index.</p>

'The twentieth century opened and closed with two towering figures in German political thought: Max Weber and Jurgen Habermas. Hannah Arendt, hersef a towering figure, stands between them. Phillip Hansen's fresh and searching intrduction to her political thought explains why.' <i>John Keane, University of Westminster</i> <p>'Hansen situates himself in the field of tension between Arendt and the Left and generates an exceedingly interesting discussion of the prospects and pit falls facing everyone aiming at a rejuvenated emancipatory politics at a time when it is anything but clear what sucha study of politics could possibly consist of ... a judicious and suggestive study'. <i>Paul Breines, Boston College</i></p>

<b>Phillip Hansen</b> is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Regina, Canada.

The new study provides a fresh and timely reassessment of the political philosophy of Hannah Arendt. While analysing the central themes of Arendt's work, Phillip Hansen also shows that her work makes a significant contribution to contemporary debates. Specifically, Hansen argues that Arendt provides a powerful account of what it means to think and act politically. This account can establish the grounds for a contemporary citizen rationality in the face of threat to a genuine politics. <p>Amoung other issues, Hansen discusses Arendt's conception of history and historical action; her account of politics and of the distinction between public and private; her analysis of totalitarianism as the most ominous form of 'false ' politics; and her treatment of revolution.</p> <p>The book is a balanced and opportune reappraisal of Arendt's contributions to social and political theory. It will be welcomed by students and scholars in politics, sociology and philosophy.</p>

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