Little introduces the political concept of community, showing how philosophical ideas can be used in political practice.The aims of the book are to provide a critical analysis of the historical use of the concept of community in political philosophy and sociological theory and to demonstrate the problems that emanate from the division between communitarianism and liberalism. Little also aims to contrast the orthodox views on communitarianism of conservative thinkers in the U. K. and U.S.A. with more radical and egalitarian perspectives, to consider possible new ways of thinking about notions of community in relation to social and economic policies, and to show the relevance of community to debates about democracy, pluralism, difference and the future of the state and civil society. While other books consider either the philosophical or the policy elements of community, this book is unique in drawing together these strands and demonstrating their links.