In the inaugural set of Seeley Lectures, the distinguished political philosopher James Tully addresses the demands for cultural recognition that constitute the major conflicts of today: supranational associations, nationalism and federalism, linguistic and ethnic minorities, feminism, multiculturalism and aboriginal self government. Neither modern nor post-modern constitutionalism can adjudicate such claims justly. However, by surveying 400 years of constitutional practice, with special attention to the American aboriginal peoples, Tully develops a new philosophy of constitutionalism based on dialogues of conciliation which, he argues, have the capacity to mediate contemporary conflicts and bring peace to the twenty-first century. Strange Multiplicity brings profound historical, critical and philosophical perspectives to our most pressing contemporary conflicts, and provides an authoritative guide to constitutional possibilities in a multicultural age.

Winner. 2024 Benjamin E. Lippincott Award, American Political Science Association

"James Tully's questioning of 'our' received view of constitutionalism is long overdue, and the alternatives and corrections he suggests to simple, unified sovereignty notions are worth very serious consideration indeed, both by scholars and by politicians. Now that the fact of constitutional diversity within established states is no longer occluded, no longer can be, and the whole idea of the unitary 'nation-state' is coming under some question, such reconsiderations of the constitutional tradition we have inherited are most necessary. This is an important book, both in what it criticises and in what it proposes. It will stimulate, I am sure, a very useful discussion about a very pressing issue." Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton