Ideas in Action: Political Tradition in the Twentieth Century

Stephen Eric Bronner’s Ideas in Action skillfully presents the dynamic contours of contemporary political thought. . . offering a comprehensive perspective on the central power of ideology in the making of modern societies. — Manning Marable, M. Moran Weston/Black Alumni Council Professor of African-American Studies, Columbia University

Lucidly written, sweeping in scope, Bronner’s work provides cogent contextual presentations of the major theories of the century, provocative critiques that should elicit spirited debate, and a singular perspective of its own. — Douglas Kellner, UCLA; author of Media Culture and Media Spectacle and the Crisis of Democracy

Ideas in Action displays an élan too often missing in contemporary political theory texts: the élan of an ’emancipatory interest’ in global social justice. — Fred Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame

Ideas in Action brings the reader into the world of political theory as it is actually practiced in the academy as well as into the universe of ideas indigenous to social movements and forms of political practice. — John G. Gunnell, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany-SUNY

Ambitious and accomplished, this compelling introduction to modern political thought treats serious ideas with the gravity and clarity they deserve without forgetting how thoughts and concepts are braided with history, conflict, and institutions. — Ira Katznelson, Columbia University

Steve Bronner’s valuable and important study of contemporary political thought is readable, solidly researched, and original. Providing an insightful bridge among past, present, and future, Ideas in Action reflects the realities of political life, theory and action, diverse histories and traditions, and distribution and social justice. It is a major contribution to the field. — Laura K. Olson, LeHigh University

[Bronner] presents an intelligent, well-written, progressive analysis and evaluation of major 20th-century political theory and movements. . . . Bronner’s continuing criticism of failures to develop political practice that can engage changing conditions and opportunities makes this book especially valuable. ― CHOICE

He presents an intelligent, well-written, progressive analysis and evaluation of major 20th-century political theory and movements. . . . Especially valuable. — C. P. Waligorski, University of Arkansas ― Social and Behavioral Sciences, March 2000

The work is stunning in its scope and breadth. One cannot help but be impressed with the extent of Professor Bronner’s knowledge of the past century of political theory. — Tracey Gladstone-Sovell ― H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online

A masterful account of the intellectual and political history of the twentieth century — R Claire Snyder, George Mason University

Bronner takes political ideas seriously because they are the filter through which people see, organize, interpret, and attempt to change the world. He presents an intelligent, well-written, progressive analysis and evaluation of major 20th-century political theory and movements. . . . Bronner’s continuing criticism of failures to develop political practice that can engage changing conditions and opportunities makes this book especially valuable. ― CHOICE

Stunning in its scope and breadth. . . . One of the most refreshing aspects of this work is that Bronner has both hope and political commitment, and he also thinks that theory and ideas are a means of furthering political goals. His work is a reminder that political theory has contributed to political action in the past and that theory continually needs to be reinvented so that it can matter again in the present. ― H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online

Like the Owl of Minerva, Stephen Eric Bronner sweeps over history, in this case the last 150 years of mass politics and political theory. If you sometimes (probably often) think ‘my students know no history,’ then this is definitely a book to try., From the ‘48ers to the ‘68ers to ‘98, he packs in a lot of narrative in an engaging and direct style. This is not at all a textbook with timelines and summary boxes; it suits a student who wants well-chosen reading, usually the ‘classic’ book or article, handily keyed to the text with footnotes. ― New Political Science

This book has a view about what counts as theory, and what is good politics. And it certainly lets you know what bad theory is, and why some politics is damaging. This, of course, is excellent. — Terrell Carver, Professor of Political Theory, University of Bristol ― New Political Science, Vol. 22, No.2

Ideas in Action is in the main written in an accessible style, and it contains lively obsrvations. Bronner’s writing is in several ways both corageous and challenging. — Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones, University of Edinburgh ― Radical History Review

Is written in an accessible style, and contains lively observations. Bronner’s writing is in sveral ways both courageous and challenging. ― Labor History

It is hard not to be compelled by the energy and acuteness of Bronner’s thinking. ― Political Studies Review

Covers a wide terrain while maintaining precision and readability. This book offers an impressive and accessible survey of its subject. ― Canadian Journal of History

Bronner’s discussion of political ideas is comprehensive and accessible. This book can certainly function as an excellent introduction to political thought for graduate students. However, more importantly, it is a continuous critical engagement with virtually all of the major political traditions in circulation in our society. One can either agree or disagree with Bronner’s assessments of these traditions, but his work must be taken into account. Finally, one senses in reading this book an intense intellectual search of western political traditions. ― Science & Society