In this book a collection of scholars probe "Democracy in America"'s understanding of the modern world from the perspective of political theory. The 18 authors provide original analyses, ranging from close textual exegeses to applications of Tocqueville's method - in one case to contemporary Asia. Race, women's liberation, capitalism, bureaucracy, individualism, religion and alienation are among the subjects covered. The book does not seek to cover every facet of Tocqueville's analysis of America, but rather to bring out significant themes, especially those of interest to political theorists, which have otherwise not been fully appreciated. The contributors treat Tocqueville as a serious political philosopher, though they disagree on whether theory or practice was his ultimate objective.