Political Science teachers Vanessa Gordon and Dónal Gill, both currently teaching at Dawson College, have co-authored the newly released 7th edition of Politics, Power, and the Common Good: An Introduction to Political Science, published by Pearson Canada. This comprehensive textbook is being used at universities across Canada, and may be available in French in the future.
The new textbook provides readers with essential knowledge about political systems, ideologies, and civic engagement, combining Canadian contexts with global perspectives to better understand power, governance, and citizen participation in the 21st century.
This updated edition of a foundational Canadian political science textbook offers an accessible and comprehensive introduction to political structures and concepts that every citizen should understand. It covers topics from political parties and electoral systems to the workings of Canada's parliamentary democracy and the broader global political landscape shaped by globalization.
Politics, Power, and the Common Good guides readers through core political ideologies such as Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, and Fascism alongside contemporary frameworks including Feminism, Environmentalism, and Critical Race Theory. The textbook also addresses political participation, advocacy movements, democratic and authoritarian regimes, and global inequalities affecting low- and middle-income countries.
Reflecting on the project, Vanessa Gordon shared:
"What a journey this has been, and we're just beginning! I didn't think that this book would become such an explicit reply to populist fairy tales and anti-intellectualism, but tempus exigat. I am very grateful to Dónal Gill, who balanced teaching, family, and media engagements to collaborate with me on this. The book features important local organizations including Mères au front - Montréal Chapter, Travailleuses et Travailleurs pour la Justice Climatique, Alternatives, OpenMedia, and FWD50."
Dónal Gill expressed his pride in the work:
"Enormous thanks are due to the dogged and tenacious Vanessa Gordon for getting it off the ground and working tirelessly to follow every trail in pursuit of perfection! I focused on key chapters about political ideologies, political culture, electoral systems, and government types, weaving in examples from Canada, Ireland, and the wider world."
Dónal is a commentator for the CBC and Fox News and has written extensively for publications such as MacLean's magazine, Canadian Dimension and the Montreal Gazette. His next publication will be a chapter on the history of free trade and Canada-US relations in this edited volume set to be published in June 2026.
Vanessa has been a member of Dawson College's faculty since 2009, contributing extensively to the department's academic life. She currently serves on the Dawson Teachers' Union executive council, and as a board member for Alternatives Montreal.
Together, Vanessa and Dónal exemplify Dawson College's active faculty contributions, producing relevant educational materials that deepen students' understanding of political science while fostering informed citizenship.
The textbook is available for purchase through Pearson Canada: Politics, Power, and the Common Good - 7th Edition.
