In this collection of essays, John Dunn brings his characteristically acute and penetrative insight to a wide range of political issues. In the first essay, 'The history of political theory', Professor Dunn argues for the importance of a historical perspective in the study of political thought. Other pieces engage with central concepts of political philosophy such as obligation, trust, freedom of conscience and property. A group of studies tackle specific contemporary problems and future dangers, for example racism and the dilemma of humanitarian intervention. The volume as a whole articulates the many dangers, but also the huge importance of, contemporary politics, and provides a representative collection of work by one of the most astute political commentators writing today.

"...the essays are brief, focused, cogent, and carefully thought out..." Choice

"John Dunn's complex persona, as both Cambridge historian of political ideas and political scientist is nicely exemplified in this recent collection of essays....he remains an important voice and one who should be listened to not simply by historians of political thought." P.J. Kelly, Canadian Journal of Political Science