Kings or people: Power and the mandate to rule

by Reinhard Bendix

The world in which we live has its roots far back in history, and as a world power America must come to terms with countries which were formed in their present mold long before the American, revolution. All those to whom an exploration of this historical background will appeal probably share with me an immediate empathy with the anguish of nation-building around the world.

Genres: History, Sociology, Political Science, Politics

736 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Bernard English]

There is a lot of the standard history of the development of the major nation-states, but the author ties things together in a way that makes for great reading. I can't remember whether he explains why he excludes India and China, but I suppose it is because of their late development, at least compared to the other nations examined, maybe. I was particularly impressed with his sketch of Russian history because it's more sympathetic than others I've read about Russia and the reader can sense the solidity of Russia as a nation. Having developed over 700 years, overcoming one obstacle after another, including invasions by European nations, Bendix's account convinces me Russia ain't a house of cards and it ain't going anywhere, despite what the West may say.

[Dan]

College history textbook. I'm afraid I don't remember it.