Legitimating Identities: The Self-Presentations of Rulers and Subjects

Rulers of all kinds, from feudal monarchs to democratic presidents and prime ministers, justify themselves to themselves through a variety of rituals, rhetoric, and dramatisations, using everything from architecture and coinage to etiquette and portraiture. This kind of legitimation - self-legitimation - has been overlooked in an age which is concerned principally with how government can be justified in the eyes of its citizens. Rodney Barker argues that at least as much time is spent by rulers legitimating themselves in their own eyes, and cultivating their own sense of identity, as is spent in trying to convince ordinary subjects. Once this dimension of ruling is taken into account, a far fuller understanding can be gained of what rulers are doing when they rule. It can also open the way to a more complete grasp of what subjects are doing, both when they obey and when they rebel.

• The first study of the way in which rulers cultivate a sense of their own right to rule, to persuade themselves that they are legitimate • Draws on a range of evidence from politics, history, sociology and anthropology, and examples from throughout history - from Rome to Louis XIV, Napoleon and the present-day EU • Short, accessible, and very well-written

1. Legitimacy and legitimation; 2. Legitimating identities; 3. King John’s Christmas; self-legitimation; 4. Cousins at home and abroad; 5. Rebels and vigilantes; 6. Citizens; 7. Conclusion.

‘Rodney Barker’s Legitimating Identities: The Self-Presentations of Rulers and Subjects is a stylish and topical reminder of politicians’ yearning for identities to bolster their authority. Like Narcissus staryng into the pool, they see (or hope to see) a reflection of themselves they can fall in love with.’ Professor Ben Pimlott

‘… stimulating and provocative book.’ David Runciman, Contemporary Political Theory

‘In emphasizing self-legitimation, Barker has led us to new and insightful areas of study. This new volume is a major contribution to the study of political processes.’ Ronald M. Glassman, American Journal of Sociology

‘… highly recommended reading …’. Political Studies Review

‘There are certainly suggestive ideas and important insights in this short essay …’. History of Political Thought