Third Way

The idea of finding a 'third way' in politics has been widely discussed over recent months - not only in the UK, but in the US, Continental Europe and Latin America. But what is the third way? Supporters of the notion haven't been able to agree, and critics deny the possibility altogether. Anthony Giddens shows that developing a third way is not only a possibility but a necessity in modern politics.

Autorentext

Anthony Giddens is a British sociologist who is known for his theory of structuration and his holistic view of modern societies.

Klappentext
The idea of finding a "third way" in politics has been widely discussed - not only in the UK, but in the US, Continental Europe and Latin America. But what is the third way? Supporters of the notion haven't been able to agree, and critics deny the possibility altogether. Anthony Giddens shows that developing a third way is not only a possibility but a necessity in modern politics. The third way represents the renewal of social democracy in a world where the views of the old left have become obsolete, while those of the new right are inadequate and contradictory. A new social democratic agenda is emerging that is integrated, robust and wide-ranging. It is an agenda that can rekindle political idealism. The author's previous works, especially"Beyond Left and Right" (Polity Press 1994), have influenced debates about the social democracy in many countries across the world. Frequently referred to in the UK as Tony Blair's guru, Giddens has made a strong impact on the evolution of New Labour. The author or editor of over thirty books, he is currently the Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Inhalt
Preface. 1. Socialism and After.

The death of socialism.

Old-style social democracy.

The neoliberal outlook.

The doctrines compared.

The recent debates.

Structures of political support.

The fate of social democracy.

2. Five Dilemmas. .

Globalisation. Individualism.

Left and right.

Political agency.

Ecological issues.

Third way politics.

3. State and Civil Society.

Democratising democracy.

The question of civil society.

Crime and community.

The democratic family.

4. The Social Investment State. .

The meaning of equality.

Inclusion and exclusion.

A society of positive welfare.

Social investment strategies.

5. Into the Global Age.

The cosmopolitan nation.

Cultural pluralism.

Cosmopolitan democracy.

The European Union.

Market fundamentalism on a world scale.

Conclusion. .

Notes.

Index.