Review Of "An Instrumentalist Theory Of Political Legitimacy" By M. Brinkmann

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

5-1-2025

Published In

Choice

Abstract

This superb book presents a clear, robust, densely argued, and innovative defense of an instrumentalist approach to the justification of political legitimacy. Namely, political power is justified (i.e., morally permissible) to the extent that it promotes justice effectively. Stressing "moral permissibility" thus excludes purely descriptive accounts; for example, while governments throughout the world recognize the Xi Jinping government as legitimate, Brinkmann (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Germany) would not. Some implications he draws are that there can be political legitimacy without authority, without a duty to obey, and without any deep foundational (i.e., non-instrumentalist) principles. Consent, democracy, and procedural concerns are valuable insofar as they promote effective justice, but they are not stand-alone justifications. Brinkmann carefully and thoughtfully elucidates many of these terms, but he provides no definitive account of justice other than that it would be broadly liberal—a lacuna he acknowledges. Brinkmann pays close attention to possible criticisms, which is another merit of his book. It deserves to be studied—not just read—by all serious students of political philosophy and political theory. It belongs in graduate libraries that cater to philosophers, political scientists, and sociologists. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.

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