Gramsci and the concept of hegemony cast a long shadow over radical political theory. Yet how far has this theory got us? Unlike previous revolutionary movements, Day argues, most contemporary radical social movements do not strive to take control of the state. Instead, they attempt to develop new forms of self-organisation that can run parallel to it.

This book draws together a variety of different strands in political theory to weave an innovative new approach to politics today. From Hegel’s concept of recognition, through theories of hegemony and affinity to Hardt and Negri’s reflections on Empire, Day maps academia’s theoretical concerns onto today’s politics of the street. Ideal for all students of political theory, Day’s fresh approach combines Marxist, Anarchist and post-structuralist theory to shed new light on the politics and practice of contemporary social movements.