A thematic introduction to Roman political thought that shows the Romans' enduring contribution to key political ideas.

Jed W. Atkins is an Assistant Professor of Classical Studies at Duke University. His research focuses on Greek, Roman, and early Christian moral and political thought. In addition, he works on the modern reception of ancient political thought. He is the author of Cicero on Politics and the Limits of Reason: The Republic and Laws (Cambridge, 2013) and is co-editing (with Thomas Bénatouïl) the forthcoming Cambridge Companion to Cicero's Philosophy.

Introduction; 1. The Roman Constitution in theory and practice; 2. Liberty and related concepts; 3. Citizenship and civic virtue; 4. Political passions and civic corruption; 5. Rhetoric, deliberation, and judgment; 6. Civil religion; 7. Imperialism, just war theory, and cosmopolitanism; Conclusion; Bibliographical essay.