Intended for academics and students in social theory, sociology and social philosophy, this book assesses critical theory, particularly that of Jurgen Habermas, and describes the challenges posed to contemporary critical theory by global social change. The fundamental concepts of Habermas' critical theory are outlined and ideas such as the public sphere, communicative action, and the colonization of the lifeworld analyzed. The author also examines the insights that critical theory can offer global analysis, and the challenges to critical theory from global social change. In a detailed discussion of post-Communist Eastern Europe, Islamic revivalism in Iran, and the liberation struggle in South Africa, the author argues that modernity is poised between the threat of authoritarian politics of identity and the promise of new democratic communicative organiztions.