The Polycentric Republic

The Polycentric Republic presents a compelling and innovative critique of modern social contract theory. It reveals how the social contract theory systematically neglects the interests and prerogatives of non-state associations and legitimates an imposing sovereign State that jeopardises the freedom and integrity of communities and associations under its rule. Drawing on neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics, institutional theory, and political history, the author invites us to reimagine civil order in a way that is more friendly to the diverse interests and prerogatives of non-state communities and organizations, from churches, schools and universities to farming co-ops, businesses, villages, and towns. The book builds on MacIntyres diagnosis of the moral and institutional failures of the modern State and offers a historically informed and institutionally rigorous critique of the pathologies of sovereign power. In addition, it proposes a novel re-interpretation of federalism as a complex, emergent order created through bottom-up, inter-group cooperation constrained by rule of law but consistent with a wide variety of independent communities and ways of life. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in rethinking State-centric approaches to governance and civil order and exploring the merits of non-Statist, pluralist approaches, be they citizens, policymakers, or students of political science, political philosophy, law, or political economy. The volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of politics, political philosophy and political theory.