Stands in Politics

The stand in politics is a major form of current political theory, as it is of all political theory intended for times of trouble. It possesses special characteristics, concerns, and connections to aspects of political life. This essay contrasts the stand to other forms of theory and projects of action. Then it samples stand making and taking among recent political theorists. Stands coalesce into an unusual kind of action, so that theorists making stands may conceive themselves to be key political actors. The essay concludes with prospects for future stand making and taking, including forums other than political theory.