Book review: Courage in Politics by Ferenc Bódi-Andrea Ragusa-Ralitsa Savova (eds), Pacini editore, Pisa, 2020, 197 pp.

A creative endeavour that explores political courage in detail, Courage in politics, edited by Ferenc Bódi, Andrea Ragusa and Ralitsa Savova, published in 2020, is a unique synthesis of political inquiry and historical research, opening a new chapter in the pages of political science. The work explores the nature of courage and its power to shape communities through the lives and political actions of individuals who shaped historical events and displayed specific personality traits. As discussed above, it is clear from the studies that it is the individuals who shape history, who turn the wheel of great events, rather than events unfolding as uncontrollable and spontaneously moving masses shaped by faceless crowds. On the contrary, it is the action of great, courageous individuals, “spirits”, that has enabled historical standing, defence and, when appropriate, offensive behaviour. The evidence in this volume supports the assertion that courage, coupled with self-sacrifice, rise to be heroic and provide the human community with heroes, paragons and role models.