Since September 11th we frequently hear that political differences should be put aside the real struggle is between good & evil What does this mean for political & social life? Is there a ' Third Way' beyond left & right & if so should we fear or welcome it? This thought-provoking book by Chantal Mouffe a globally recognized political author presents a timely account of the current state of democracy affording readers the most relevant & up-to-date information Arguing that liberal 'third way thinking' ignores fundamental conflicting aspects of human nature Mouffe states that far from expanding democracy globalization is undermining the combative & radical heart of democratic life Going back first to Aristotle she identifies the historical origins of the political & reflects on the Enlightenment & the social contract arguing that in spite of its good intentions it levelled the radical core of political life Contemporary examples including the Iraq war racism & the rise of the far right are used to illustrate & support her theory that far from combating extremism the quest for consensus politics undermines the ability to challenge it These case studies are also highly effective points of reference for student revision On the Political is a stimulating argument about the future of politics & addresses the most fundamental aspects of democracy that will aid further study