The new edition of this classic text provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of legitimacy as applied to political systems. Now addressing the issue of legitimacy beyond the state, the book also includes a new introduction and two major additional chapters which update the argument in the light of developments and debates.

David Beetham is Emeritus Professor of Politics, University of Leeds, UK.

Preface to the 2nd edition
Preface to the 1st edition
Introduction
PART I: THE CRITERIA FOR LEGITIMACY
1. Towards a Social-Scientific Concept of Legitimacy
2. Power and its need of Legitimation
3. The Intellectual Structure of Legitimacy
4. Social Science and the Social Construction of Legitimacy
PART II: LEGITIMACY IN THE MODERN STATE
5. Dimensions of State Legitimacy
6. Crisis Tendencies of Political Systems
7. Modes of Non-Legitimate Power
8. Legitimacy in Political Science and Political Philosophy
9. The Legitimation of Power in the 21st Century
PART III: LEGITIMACY IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
10. Legitimacy Within the State
11. Legitimacy Beyond the State.