Manfred B. Steger

This text is an innovative and accessible work that introduces readers to the main arguments for and against the use of violence in politics. Indeed, the problem of political violence has acquired new salience in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Written by an experienced teacher and scholar of the subject, the book has been specially designed to engage readers by encouraging them to assume the role of impartial jurors in a simulated trial against nonviolence. This exciting participatory format allows readers to critical explore the main assumptions and myths that underpin various realist and idealist approaches to nonviolence. Key features of this text include: Coverage of the main idealist theories, traditions, methods and movements that favor non-violent political action Coverage of the main realist arguments against nonviolent strategies Examples of major nonviolent social and political movements from the early twentieth century to today

The Quest for Evolutionary Socialism uses Eduard Bernstein’s life and works as the basis for an examination of the interactions between European social democratic politics and socialist political ideas. It is thus a timely response to the need for a new, comprehensive biography of Bernstein, the German ‘Father of Marxist Revisionism’. Professor Steger incorporates recent academic developments and addresses current debates on the ‘End of Socialism’ resulting from the collapse of Marxism-Leninism and the chronic ailments of European social democracy. This study is set within the historical context of the European labor movement and thus Steger interprets Bernstein’s ‘Evolutionary Socialism’ as an ethically-motivated quest for liberty, solidarity and distributive justice. Steger stresses that the future of social democracy depends on its ability to heed Bernstein’s call for critical self reflection and to reorientate toward more liberal ideals.