Applying Political Theory

Katherine Smits is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. She writes and teaches in political theory, and is the author of Reconstructing Liberal Pluralism: From Interest to Identity (2005) and the co-editor of Feminist Moments: Reading Feminist Texts (2015). She is an award-winning teacher, and has published numerous articles and book chapters in the areas of liberal political theory – historical and modern, multiculturalism, identity politics, feminist political thought and nationalism.

'Written with both vigour and clarity, and drawing on a wealth of examples taken from a range of different societies, this unique book successfully demonstrates how political theory can address real world controversies whilst also introducing the major branches of moral and political philosophy.' - Andrew Shorten, University of Limerick 'Drawing on a truly impressive range of case studies and salient examples to highlight theoretical points and illuminate the underlying arguments, this is a highly engaging introduction to political theory which shows how issues which have long engaged theorists remain highly relevant for policy makers and citizens today.' - Luis Cabrera, Griffith University, Australia

• 1. Introduction2. How Should Resources Be Distributed? Taxation, Welfare and Redistribution3. Are Minority Cultures Entitled to Recognition and Rights?4. Is Affirmative Action Fair?5. Should Prostitution and Pornography Be Legal?6. Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legal?7. Should the State Prohibit Euthanasia and Abortion?8. Should Offensive Speech be Regulated?9. What Should be the Limits to Whistle-Blowing and Other Citizen Protests?10. Is Leaking Classified Information Justified?11. Should Rich Countries Give More Foreign Aid?12.Can Military Intervention into other Countries Be Justified on Humanitarian Grounds?13.Should the Natural Environment Be Protected for Future Generations?