Written specifically to cover the A2 component of the GCE Government and Politics A-level. Provides a comprehensive introduction to the various political ideas and movements that have shaped the modern world. Underpinned by the work of major thinkers such as Marx, Locke, Weber, Hobbes and Foucault, the book examines at political concepts including the state and sovereignty, the nation and democracy, representation and legitimacy, freedom, equality and rights, obligation and citizenship. Addresses traditional theoretical subjects such as socialism, marxism and nationalism as well as contemporary contemporary movements such as environmentalism, ecologism and feminism. Written in a clear, accessible style, including a number of student-friendly features, such as chapter summaries, key points to consider, definitions and pointers to further sources of information.