New Books Network Peter Allen, "How to Think about Politics: A Guide in Five Parts" (Oxford UP, 2025)
May 28, 2025
Peter Allen, a Professor of Politics at the University of Bath, dives into the essence of political engagement in his discussion. He elaborates on the broad definition of politics, encompassing institutional and personal dimensions. Allen examines how 'polycrisis' affects individual anxieties while highlighting the interplay between personal experiences and political beliefs. He challenges conventional systems and emphasizes the rise of grassroots movements as vital for enacting change, making a compelling case for why politics matters in our daily lives.
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Politics Shapes Everyday Life
- Politics goes beyond formal institutions to affect our daily lives.
- It shapes personal experiences and conflicts about how society should be organized.
Understanding the Polycrisis
- The term polycrisis describes overlapping, interrelated global crises.
- This creates a sense of political overwhelm both collectively and individually.
Power's Layers in Politics
- Politics includes visible and hidden forms of power that shape agendas and structures.
- Structural power influences who benefits and how societal rules are formed.
