I picked this book up because I wanted to know the differences between the left and the right. I wondered what it meant to be liberal or conservative, and what does anarchism or fascism mean?

I skipped the last four or so chapters and I remember very little of what I've read. I'll definitely reference the text when I need an understanding of a particular ideology. I have learned exactly what a state and a nation is (they're different) and I have a broad feeling for all the different ideologies, but there are just so many -isms my mind is melting. For example, what is the difference between authoritarianism, totalitarianism and monarchical absolutism? A autocracy or a dictatorship? ( )

In this text the author examines nine major political ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, nationalism, fascism, anarchism, feminism, environmentalism and democracy.

A very interesting perspective on the way the different ideologies have arisen. It offers a quite neutral review of the several political systems and historical development of the topic, as well as short introductions of the key characters who took actively part on it. It includes excellent references I would like to explore. ( )