The Politics of Moral Capital [Hardcover]

Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi and Clinton are among those whose 'moral capital' is considered.John Kane argues that, despite appearances, politicians and governments care deeply about people's moral judgments, for these provide the moral capital they depend on for survival and effective functioning. Some famous leaders--Lincoln, de Gaulle, Mandela--illustrate the workings of moral capital in politics, and a study of the American presidency from Kennedy to Clinton shows how the moral capital of the United States has been eroded, with severe consequences for the nation's morale.John Kane argues that, despite appearances, politicians and governments care deeply about people's moral judgments, for these provide the moral capital they depend on for survival and effective functioning. Some famous leaders--Lincoln, de Gaulle, Mandela--illustrate the workings of moral capital in politics, and a study of the American presidency from Kennedy to Clinton shows how the moral capital of the United States has been eroded, with severe consequences for the nation's morale.John Kane argues that, despite appearances, politicians and governments care deeply about people's moral judgments, for these provide the moral capital they depend on for survival and effective functioning. Some famous leaders--Lincoln, de Gaulle, Mandela--illustrate the workings of moral capital in politics, and a study of the American presidency from Kennedy to Clinton shows how the moral capital of the United States has been eroded, with severe consequences for the nation's morale.Part I. Moral Capital: 1. Moral capital and politics; 2. Moral capital and leadership; Part II. Moral Capital in Times of Crisis: 3. Abraham Lincoln - the long-purposed man; 4. Charles de Gaulle - the man of storms; Part III. Moral Capital and Dissident Politics: 5. Nelson Mandela - the moral phenomenon; 6. Aung San Suu Kyi - her father's daughter; Part IV. Moral Capital and the American Presidency: 7. Kennedy and American virtue; 8. Crisil3*