Explores the core concerns and questions in the history of political thought. It considers the field as a branch of political philosophy and political science, and examines the approaches of core theorists such as Reinhart Koselleck, Leo Strauss, Michel Foucault, and the so-called Cambridge School of Quentin Skinner and John Pocock. Assessing the current relationship between political history, theory, and action, it concludes with an analysis of its ongoing relevance for current politics. -- Cover.

History and politics -- Definitions and justifications -- The history of political thought and Marxism -- Political philosophers and the history of political thought -- The 'Cambridge School' -- Koselleck and conceptual history -- Michel Foucault and governmentality -- Globality, morality, and the future.