The Polycentric Republic - A Theory of Civil Order for Free and Diverse Societies

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 MacIntyre-s 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