Rainer Forst is one of the most illuminating political philosophers now working. His writing carries forward the systematic project of the Frankfurt School with an admirable combination of analytical rigor and historical depth. At a time when liberal democracy has come to seem troublingly fragile, it is salutary to have this clear-eyed and uncompromising defense of its ideal of inclusive justification.

Michael Rosen, Department of government, Harvard University

Rainer Forst develops a powerful version of critical theory that spans philosophy, social theory, and critique where the principle of general and reciprocal justification is fundamental. Justification is not merely a theoretical question; it is a political and practical question. Such a theory must be attentive to complex historical ways in which human beings actually justify practices as well as the way in which practices themselves are always open to criticism by an appeal to rational justification. In developing his theory, he shows how it can account for power, justice, and democracy... He is imaginative, bold, and always thought provoking.

Richard J. Bernstein, New School for Social Research

Forst's characteristically brilliant and lucid essays demonstrate the potency of his signature idea—the right to justification—to perform a defining task of political philosophy: the critical analysis of social and political power. With stunning intellectual range, Forst tacks between abstract principle and concrete examples to make a compelling case that justice demands attentiveness to the structures through which we justify (or fail to justify) ourselves to others. This important book, by one of the leading political philosophers of our time, is essential reading for understanding justice in a global age.

Melissa Williams, Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto