(1) Možete li ZNetu reći koja je vaša nova knjiga, Na kojoj ste strani? je oko? Što pokušava komunicirati?
Na kojoj ste strani? is a textbook meant for use in introductory college courses in political science.
Where most texts in political science emphasize the “science,” I try to put the politics back into political science. Most texts assume that the range of political views runs from conservative to liberal; this text doesn’t engage in the opposite omission — assuming that everyone is on or must agree with the left — but it does treat the left as a real political position, worthy of study and understanding. The book introduces (in chapters of their own) conservatism, liberalism, and democratic socialism, and then — as it ranges through issues like government regulation of the economy, poverty and welfare, taxation, same sex marriage, abortion, affirmative action, crime and punishment, foreign policy, and the global economy — tries to show how each of the ideologies addresses the issue. Most texts obscure the fact that politics is contested, that there are no simple right and wrong answers to political questions. Na kojoj ste strani? aims to provide some of the contending arguments among different ideological positions so that readers can come to their own conclusions.
I hope the book will be used by progressive faculty who reject the usual, tired conservative texts, but who know that many of their students will resent (and rightly so) being spoon-fed the correct leftist line.
I hope, too, that this book will be of use to leftists as an aid in talking with and convincing neighbors and co-workers. To do these things effectively, one needs both to understand what the opposing arguments are in order to address them, and to think about what kinds of counter-arguments work best.
(2) Možete li ZNetu reći nešto o pisanju knjige? Odakle dolazi sadržaj? Što je utjecalo na to da knjiga bude takva kakva jest?
Na kojoj ste strani? is the result of many years of discussing and arguing with students in my classes, audiences at speaking events, neighbors, and colleagues. As I wrote the book, I read countless articles making conservative and liberal arguments, in the conviction that one can’t address people’s concerns and arguments without first understanding what they’re trying to say.
I also spent a lot of time trying to make the writing accessible and jargon-free, with engaging examples. The book has dozens of cartoons and photos to help make it more appealing. At the same time, solid documentation is provided, because readers want to know — and deserve to know — where information comes from.
(3) Čemu se nadate Na kojoj ste strani? Što se nadate da će doprinijeti ili postići, politički? S obzirom na trud i težnje koje imate oko knjige, što biste smatrali uspjehom? Što bi vas razveselilo u cijelom pothvatu? Što bi vas navelo da se zapitate je li bilo vrijedno svog vremena i truda?
Obviously, lots of readers means that the book will have a significant impact. More generally, though, the book will be a success if it contributes to students taking politics and the left seriously and to leftists engaging with non-leftists.
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