Revisiting Classical Political Thought in Contemporary Contexts
Keywords:
Classical Political Thought, Democracy and Authoritarianism, Social Contract Theory, Political Theory and Modernity, Critical ReinterpretationAbstract
This article critically revisits the legacy of classical political thought in light of contemporary global challenges. Drawing from key thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, the study explores how foundational concepts—justice, sovereignty, civic virtue, and the social contract are reinterpreted in modern democratic, authoritarian, and transnational contexts. Through a conceptual and comparative analysis, the article highlights the enduring relevance of classical frameworks in shaping liberalism, participatory governance, and ethical leadership, while also interrogating their limitations when applied to issues such as gender exclusion, Eurocentrism, climate crisis, and digital surveillance. Contemporary theorists including Rawls, Arendt, and Foucault are examined for their critical engagement with classical texts, illustrating how tradition can serve as both a resource and a site of resistance. The article concludes by advocating for a pluralistic and reflexive political theory that engages with the classical canon while addressing the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
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