Power & State

As with Alexis de Tocqueville, almost two centuries before her, Professor Nalangu brings an outsider view on the happenings in the United States, perhaps more objective than native-born. She also shares the same belief of Tocqueville that the ongoing movement toward democracy in the West, and perhaps the entire world, is one of the greatest overriding themes in history. That the drive towards equality for all is one of the most important political and social ideas human civilization has brought forth. She understands and celebrates the sometimes-sensitive balance that can occur between liberty and equality, the individual and the community-at-large. She believes that Democracy cannot be taken for granted, but must be fought for and protected for the value it brings to Humanity and to its future promise. But there needs to be a constant reminder, that the power of the State, in a Democracy, is derived from the people. Many times, this is so easy to forget by the State as well as by the people.

Lucy Nalangu is a Professor of Law, History & Moral Philosophy, PhD, CBE. She is a teacher, writer, social activist, social scientist, and political philosopher, formerly Professor of Law, History & Moral Philosophy at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Previously taught at the University of Oxford, UK, and at Harvard University, US. She is now a freelance writer, researcher, commentator, and consultant. This volume is a compilation (with permission) of her thoughts, opinions, and ideas, extracted from her published works, her unpublished manuscripts, and personal conversations.