Post-Imperial Democracies
Ideology and Party Formation in Third Republic France, Weimar Germany, and Post-Soviet Russia
2010
First Published
4.33
Average Rating
308
Number of Pages
Part of Series
This book examines the causal impact of ideology through a comparative-historical analysis of three cases of 'post-imperial democracy': the early Third Republic in France (1870-1886); the Weimar Republic in Germany (1918-1934); and post-Soviet Russia (1992-2008). Hanson argues that political ideologies are typically necessary for the mobilization of enduring, independent national party organizations in uncertain democracies. By presenting an explicit and desirable picture of the political future, successful ideologues induce individuals to embrace a long-run strategy of cooperation with other converts. When enough new converts cooperate in this way, it enables sustained collective action to defend and extend party power. Successful party ideologies thus have the character of self-fulfilling prophecies: by portraying the future polity as one organized to serve the interests of those loyal to specific ideological principles, they help to bring political organizations centered on these principles into being.
Avg Rating
4.33
Number of Ratings
3
5 STARS
33%
4 STARS
67%
3 STARS
0%
2 STARS
0%
1 STARS
0%
goodreads
