The increase in cases of political corruption, the loss of politicians' credibility, the development of social and political forms of pathology (notably the rise of the extreme right along with exclusionist ideologies), and the role of the State have been at the center of political debates. In one way or another, these problems raise the question of the legitimacy of the established powers. The result is that legitimacy, a key notion of political thought in general, has today become a burning issue. Coicaud examines all these issues and proffers insightful answers to questions such as the connections between morality and politics, how rulers acquire or lose the right to govern, and how one can become the advocate of a theory of political justice that, while establishing limits, respects and even ensures the promotion of plurality within societies.

Recently corruption, extremism and public distrust have raised questions over political legitimacy. In this book, Coicaud examines these issues.

About the Author
Jean-Marc Coicaud is Senior Academic Officer on the Peace and Governance Program of the United Nations University (Tokyo).


Book Information
ISBN 9780521787826
Author Jean-Marc Coicaud
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 459g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 20mm