This book develops an original approach to theories of political power and seeks to show the particular value of examining these issues through the frame of Shakespeare's plays.

Elizabeth Frazer teaches political thought and political theory at the University of Oxford. Her publications include Can Violence Ever Be Justified? (with Kimberly Hutchings, Polity Press, 2019), and she is the author of articles about ideals of politics in political thought and education.

• Introduction: Political Power and the Political Way


• 1: Political Power and Othello


• 2: Political Power and Measure for Measure


• 3: Political and Military Power: Coriolanus


• 4: Violence and Political Authority: Romeo and Juliet


• 5: Sovereignty, Justice, and Political Power: King Lear


• 6: Friendship and Justice: Merchant of Venice and Timon of Athens


• 7: Politics and Magic: Macbeth and Tempest


• 8: Politics and Theatre: Hamlet


• Conclusion: The Political Way