Phillip Hansen 
Hannah Arendt 
Politics, History and Citizenship

The new study provides a fresh and timely reassessment of the
political philosophy of Hannah Arendt. While analysing the central
themes of Arendt’s work, Phillip Hansen also shows that her work
makes a significant contribution to contemporary debates.
Specifically, Hansen argues that Arendt provides a powerful account
of what it means to think and act politically. This account can
establish the grounds for a contemporary citizen rationality in the
face of threat to a genuine politics.

Amoung other issues, Hansen discusses Arendt’s conception of
history and historical action; her account of politics and of the
distinction between public and private; her analysis of
totalitarianism as the most ominous form of ‘false ‘ politics; and
her treatment of revolution.

The book is a balanced and opportune reappraisal of Arendt’s
contributions to social and political theory. It will be welcomed
by students and scholars in politics, sociology and philosophy.

Table of Content

Introduction.

1. History and the Decline of Politics.

2. Freedom, Action and the Public Realm:.

Hannah Arendt’s Polis and the Foundations of a Genuine
Politics.

3. The Public Realm under Siege:.

False Politics and the Modern Age.

4.Totalitarianism.

5. Revolution.

6. What is Thinking Politically? .

Conclusion: Whither Political Theory?.

Notes.

Index.

About the author

Phillip Hansen is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Regina, Canada.