From the Best to the Rest

From the Best to the Rest explores the role of idealistic political models in understanding real-world politics. David Wiens argues against using these models as guides for what we should do but shows how we can still use them to sharpen our explanations of how politics works and how to make things better. By examining how political thinkers use these models, the book reveals both their limitations and their hidden value. It offers a fresh perspective on long-standing debates about idealistic thought in political inquiry. Ultimately, Wiens suggests a new way to use idealistic thinking to bridge the gap between abstract political philosophy and practical political science, making it relevant for anyone interested in how we think about politics.