World, Class, Britain: Political Economy, Political Theory and British Politics

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This work begins by tracing the sea-change in British politics from the 1970s to the end of the 20th century. The dominance of market ideology, the decline of social democracy and the marketization of public policy are related to a widespread acceptance of globalization. Contemporary global capitalism is analyzed, not least as to its likely effect on countries such as Britain. New Labour’s Third Way is portrayed as reinforcing the apparent inevitability of globalization. In this environment, political and economic alternatives tend to be dismissed fatalistically. Politics is no longer about real choice. The second part of the book, as well as sketching an economic alternative, investigates how political theory and ethical concepts can help us to re-establish the search for human freedom and a balanced society. Such a vision can appeal to conservatives, liberals and socialists alike. It argues that a political coalition to further such ends is conceivable, if very difficult to organize or maintain. Finally, the post-modern stance of eschewing ethical and political progress is criticized.