Elgar Encyclopedia of Political Anthropology

This Encyclopedia explores the anthropological underpinnings of politics. Featuring biographical entries that reconstruct the life-works of key theorists from across the globe alongside topical entries on a range of issues in political anthropology, it poses the question: what does it mean to be human in contemporary times? Entries examine classic and modern perspectives in philosophical anthropology, and analyse themes such as the human capacity for meaning-making and how it is impacted by modernity, the dynamics of socio-political transformations and how varying perceptions of human nature have shaped political theory and practice. The Encyclopedia provides thought-provoking insight into the anthropological foundations of contemporary political and cultural phenomena, drawing from work in a wide range of connected fields including comparative historical sociology, classical philosophical anthropology, mythology, art history and beyond. Students and academics in political science and public policy, sociology, anthropology, philosophy and historiography will greatly benefit from this Encyclopedia's comprehensive overview of political anthropology. It is also a valuable reference tool for political practitioners. Key Features Over 130 entries written by leading international scholars Demonstrates how hyper-modern society systematically disconnects humanity from many aspects of reality Considers anthropology in a broad, multidisciplinary sense, tracing the meaning back to the Enlightenment and classical times Incorporates relevant perspectives from classical philosophical anthropology, archaeology, comparative historical sociology, mythology, and civilisational analysis