how political science might regain relevance and obtain an audience: a manifesto for the 21st century

Abstract

In contrast to its quantitative advances, political science has made only modest contributions to addressing salient contemporary issues. Political studies have largely been reduced to a functionalist science of `managing' parliamentary-party government. The article argues in favour of the discipline redefining itself as a science of democracy, the need for partisan visions in attaining a `good society', the need to help citizens grapple with policy alternatives, and that political scientists should take sides when democratic government conflicts with business interests.