Mudirnītah-yi Sīyāsī: Persian 1402

Political modernity essentially consists of the separation between the State and civil society, between the public sphere and the private domain. It results from a long historical process which leads from the ancient State to the modern State which has become distinct and separated from society. It only appeared at the end of the 18th century, almost simultaneously in the United States and France. It then gradually spread to Europe where it found its theoreticians and critics. But it also faces serious obstacles, notably the national fact, various totalitarianisms and religious fundamentalism. Despite appearances, it has not yet been completely achieved in many countries whose political development is hampered and unfinished. On the other hand, we are currently witnessing its overtaking in most Western countries, including France, due to transformations in the State and its relationships with society. Thus the study of political modernity not only has a historical and theoretical interest, but it is likely to shed light on many contemporary situations and to inspire appropriate political attitudes and practices. Cover text We will find in this book a very precise definition of political modernity. The author's fundamental criterion is the separation between the political state and civil society. ... It allows for a nuanced appreciation of the processes of appropriation of political modernity in non-Western parts of the world. It provides the basis for a reasoned questioning on the overcoming of modernity which can already be undertaken: Mr. Barbier sees the laboratory in European construction. We can discuss and we will not fail to discuss the concept of political modernity proposed by Mr. Barbier and the applications he draws from it. We cannot dispute the loyalty of his approach and his firmness of thought. He will have rendered everyone the service of giving it the form of a constructed debate.Excerpt from the preface.