Aristotle argued that citizenship is like friendship, and this book applies his argument to modern society. Modern citizens may lack the concept of civic friendship, but they persist in many practices and passions that were once considered essential to it. Citizens share many similarities with friends: prejudices held in common, favoritism towards each other, and - despite disagreement on specifics - underlying agreement about what is important, such as freedom and equality. Aristotle's theory reminds us that civic friendship is a factual condition of healthy societies, not a pie-in-the-sky ideal. By recognizing when it occurs and understanding it, we can build on it to counteract societal polarization. Civic friendship offers an alternative to populism and nationalism by engaging some of the same passions. In an era increasingly marked by tribalism and identity politics, this timely study will be of interest to a wide range of readers in political science, classics, and philosophy.

‘Paul W. Ludwig's extraordinary study of civic friendship is a call to return to Aristotle the master of fact and subtlety and to Aristotle's early liberal critics. Dissatisfied with liberalism today as to what makes citizens into fellows, Ludwig offers analysis and advice to sharpen and redirect our vague sentiments and beliefs. A book for all to learn from.'

Harvey Mansfield - Kenan Professor of Government, Harvard University and Hoover Institution, Stanford University, California

'Nothing could be more important in our contemporary political moment than recovering the insight that civic friendship is a factual condition of healthy societies and developing the wisdom to cultivate it here and now. With deep roots in multiple philosophical traditions, Paul Ludwig’s fine book starts to rebuild the foundations of healthy politics and merits close attention.'

Danielle S. Allen - Director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics and James Bryant Conant University Professor, Harvard University, Massachusetts

'In this searching and provocative study, Paul Ludwig develops a novel theory of civic friendship rooted in Aristotle’s political philosophy. At the heart of Ludwig’s theory lies a challenging and utterly persuasive psychological analysis that links friendship to anger, utility, and identity. Combining historical erudition with philosophical acumen, Ludwig reinvigorates our understanding of healthy communities founded on political equality. Surprising and compelling by turns, Ludwig is a joy to read.'

Ryan K. Balot - University of Toronto

‘… this is a novel, intelligent, and important book.’

M. Blitz Source: Choice