Customer Reviews

The Third Way: New Politics for the New Century (Fabian Pamphlets)

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Prime Minister Tony Blair has frequently referred to his search for a "third way". He has now written a booklet entitled The Third Way, New Politics for the New Century. Anthony Giddens, an academic who has been a major influence on New Labour, has also written a book entitled The Third Way, The Renewal of Social Democracy. These writings have raised certain questions. What for Blair and Giddens is "the Third Way"? Does it offer a radical solution to the problems which face our society? Blair identifies many problems which confront our society. He recognises concerns about the atomisation of our society, social exclusion, the creation of an effective under-class and the erosion of civil society. He seeks to expound a reformed social democracy to address these concerns.

I don't disagree with much of his analysis of the problems we face as a society. I don't, however, believe that unless you consider a re-distribution of wealth and a more radical restructuring of political institutions (through the introduction of direct democracy and further devolving of power) these problems will be addressed.

The books by Blair and Giddens need to be read together to understand both the complex problems we face and the fact that tinkering with the system is not going to be enough to overcome them.