Power and Political Economy from Thatcher to Blair

Power and Political Economy from Thatcher to Blair

Author: Robert Ledger

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2021-03-04

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 1000352323

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This book investigates the policies of the Thatcher, Major and Blair governments and their approaches towards concentration of economic and political power. The 1979–2007 British governments have variously been described as liberal or, to use a political insult and a favourite academic label, neoliberal. One of the stated objectives of the Thatcher, Major and Blair governments—albeit with differing focal points—was to disperse power and to empower the individual. This was also a consistent theme of the first generation of neoliberals, who saw monopolies, vested interests and concentration more generally as the ‘great enemy of democracy’. Under Thatcher and Major, Conservatives sought to liberalize the economy and spread ownership through policies like Right to Buy and privatisation. New Labour dispersed political power with its devolution agenda, granted operational independence to the Bank of England and put in place a seemingly robust antitrust framework. All governments during the 1979–2007 period pursued choice in public services. Yet our modern discourse characterises Britain as beset by endemic power concentration, in markets and politics. What went wrong? How did so-called neoliberal governments, which invoked liberty and empowerment, fail to disperse power and allow concentration to continue, recur or arise? The book will be of interest to students and scholars of contemporary British history, political economy and politics, as well as specific areas of study such as Thatcherism and New Labour.


Book Synopsis Power and Political Economy from Thatcher to Blair by : Robert Ledger

Download or read book Power and Political Economy from Thatcher to Blair written by Robert Ledger and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2021-03-04 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book investigates the policies of the Thatcher, Major and Blair governments and their approaches towards concentration of economic and political power. The 1979–2007 British governments have variously been described as liberal or, to use a political insult and a favourite academic label, neoliberal. One of the stated objectives of the Thatcher, Major and Blair governments—albeit with differing focal points—was to disperse power and to empower the individual. This was also a consistent theme of the first generation of neoliberals, who saw monopolies, vested interests and concentration more generally as the ‘great enemy of democracy’. Under Thatcher and Major, Conservatives sought to liberalize the economy and spread ownership through policies like Right to Buy and privatisation. New Labour dispersed political power with its devolution agenda, granted operational independence to the Bank of England and put in place a seemingly robust antitrust framework. All governments during the 1979–2007 period pursued choice in public services. Yet our modern discourse characterises Britain as beset by endemic power concentration, in markets and politics. What went wrong? How did so-called neoliberal governments, which invoked liberty and empowerment, fail to disperse power and allow concentration to continue, recur or arise? The book will be of interest to students and scholars of contemporary British history, political economy and politics, as well as specific areas of study such as Thatcherism and New Labour.

The End of Decline

The End of Decline

Author: Brian Brivati

Publisher: Politico's Publishing

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13:

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"The End of Decline" explores the historical significance of New Labour and puts forward an argument, which is simple and positive and therefore deeply unfashionable. It is that the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are responsible for the ending of decline in Britain. They owe Thatcher a great debt, but it is they, rather than Thatcher, who have made Britain the first among equals in Europe. They have helped to create a renaissance in British art and culture, and also in sport, culminating in the awarding of the 2012 Olympic Games to London. In short, Britain has cured itself of the so-called 'British disease' and has become much more comfortable, imaginative and successful: it is now a country which is envied rather than pitied; in growth, no longer in decline. Despite many problems in the welfare state, the polarisation on the Iraq War and suicide bomb attacks, Britain is now confident in three vital areas: political economy, culture and our role in the world. We have confidence in our institutions, celebrate our culture and hold our head high.


Book Synopsis The End of Decline by : Brian Brivati

Download or read book The End of Decline written by Brian Brivati and published by Politico's Publishing. This book was released on 2007 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The End of Decline" explores the historical significance of New Labour and puts forward an argument, which is simple and positive and therefore deeply unfashionable. It is that the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are responsible for the ending of decline in Britain. They owe Thatcher a great debt, but it is they, rather than Thatcher, who have made Britain the first among equals in Europe. They have helped to create a renaissance in British art and culture, and also in sport, culminating in the awarding of the 2012 Olympic Games to London. In short, Britain has cured itself of the so-called 'British disease' and has become much more comfortable, imaginative and successful: it is now a country which is envied rather than pitied; in growth, no longer in decline. Despite many problems in the welfare state, the polarisation on the Iraq War and suicide bomb attacks, Britain is now confident in three vital areas: political economy, culture and our role in the world. We have confidence in our institutions, celebrate our culture and hold our head high.

Fiscal Policy Convergence from Reagan to Blair

Fiscal Policy Convergence from Reagan to Blair

Author: Arthur T. Denzau

Publisher:

Published: 2014-04-09

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780415758703

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This book charts the rise of consensus politics over the last two decades that has seen Republican and Conservative economic policy under Reagan, Bush, Thatcher and Major change little with Democrat and 'New' Labour under Clinton and Blair.


Book Synopsis Fiscal Policy Convergence from Reagan to Blair by : Arthur T. Denzau

Download or read book Fiscal Policy Convergence from Reagan to Blair written by Arthur T. Denzau and published by . This book was released on 2014-04-09 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book charts the rise of consensus politics over the last two decades that has seen Republican and Conservative economic policy under Reagan, Bush, Thatcher and Major change little with Democrat and 'New' Labour under Clinton and Blair.

The Conservative Party

The Conservative Party

Author: Tim Bale

Publisher: Polity

Published: 2011-02-28

Total Pages: 489

ISBN-13: 0745648584

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The Conservatives are back - but what took them so long? Why did the world's most successful political party dump Margaret Thatcher only to commit electoral suicide under John Major? Just as importantly, what stopped the Tories getting their act together until David Cameron came along? The answers are as intriguing as the questions.


Book Synopsis The Conservative Party by : Tim Bale

Download or read book The Conservative Party written by Tim Bale and published by Polity. This book was released on 2011-02-28 with total page 489 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Conservatives are back - but what took them so long? Why did the world's most successful political party dump Margaret Thatcher only to commit electoral suicide under John Major? Just as importantly, what stopped the Tories getting their act together until David Cameron came along? The answers are as intriguing as the questions.

The Thatcherite Offensive

The Thatcherite Offensive

Author: Alexander Gallas

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2015-10-14

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13: 9004292217

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In The Thatcherite Offensive, Alexander Gallas provides a class-centred political analysis of Thatcherism. Drawing upon Greek state theorist Nicos Poulantzas, he challenges both mainstream and critical accounts of British politics in the 1980s and 90s. He shows that Thatcherism’s sucess and novelty, indeed its unity as a political project, lay in the fact that the Thatcher governments profoundly shifted class relations in Britain in favour of capital and restructured the institutions underpinning class domination. According to Gallas, it was an integral part of the Thatcherite project to directly intervene in labour relations, to deprive workers of their ability to forge coalitions, and to smash militant trade unionism.


Book Synopsis The Thatcherite Offensive by : Alexander Gallas

Download or read book The Thatcherite Offensive written by Alexander Gallas and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2015-10-14 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Thatcherite Offensive, Alexander Gallas provides a class-centred political analysis of Thatcherism. Drawing upon Greek state theorist Nicos Poulantzas, he challenges both mainstream and critical accounts of British politics in the 1980s and 90s. He shows that Thatcherism’s sucess and novelty, indeed its unity as a political project, lay in the fact that the Thatcher governments profoundly shifted class relations in Britain in favour of capital and restructured the institutions underpinning class domination. According to Gallas, it was an integral part of the Thatcherite project to directly intervene in labour relations, to deprive workers of their ability to forge coalitions, and to smash militant trade unionism.

Thatcherism: Personality and Politics

Thatcherism: Personality and Politics

Author: R. Biddiss

Publisher: Springer

Published: 1987-06-12

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 1349186872

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'Thatcherism', as attitude of mind and style of action, has dominated the agenda and tone of British politics during the 1980s. Supporters and critics alike have acknowledged the bold scope of the campaign launched by the Prime Minister 'to change the heart and soul' of the nation. Here nine contributors, of differing political persuasion, come together to offer a variety of approaches to, and conclusions about, 'the Thatcher Phenomenon'. Their essays review the concept of Thatcherism; its impact on the Conservative Party and on the forces of Opposition; its effect on Cabinet government and on society at large; its significance in terms of economic and foreign policy; and the validity of the claim that its record entitles it to enjoy some truly historic status.


Book Synopsis Thatcherism: Personality and Politics by : R. Biddiss

Download or read book Thatcherism: Personality and Politics written by R. Biddiss and published by Springer. This book was released on 1987-06-12 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'Thatcherism', as attitude of mind and style of action, has dominated the agenda and tone of British politics during the 1980s. Supporters and critics alike have acknowledged the bold scope of the campaign launched by the Prime Minister 'to change the heart and soul' of the nation. Here nine contributors, of differing political persuasion, come together to offer a variety of approaches to, and conclusions about, 'the Thatcher Phenomenon'. Their essays review the concept of Thatcherism; its impact on the Conservative Party and on the forces of Opposition; its effect on Cabinet government and on society at large; its significance in terms of economic and foreign policy; and the validity of the claim that its record entitles it to enjoy some truly historic status.

Turnaround

Turnaround

Author: Peter Blair Henry

Publisher: Basic Books

Published: 2013-03-12

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 0465031919

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Thirty years ago, China seemed hopelessly mired in poverty, Mexico triggered the Third World Debt Crisis, and Brazil suffered under hyperinflation. Since then, these and other developing countries have turned themselves around, while First World nations, battered by crises, depend more than ever on sustained growth in emerging markets. In Turnaround, economist Peter Blair Henry argues that the secret to emerging countries’ success (and ours) is discipline—sustained commitment to a pragmatic growth strategy. With the global economy teetering on the brink, the stakes are higher than ever. And because stakes are so high for all nations, we need less polarization and more focus on facts to answer the fundamental question: which policy reforms, implemented under what circumstances, actually increase economic efficiency? Pushing past the tired debates, Henry shows that the stock market’s forecasts of policy impact provide an important complement to traditional measures. Through examples ranging from the drastic income disparity between Barbados and his native Jamaica to the “catch up” economics of China and the taming of inflation in Latin America, Henry shows that in much of the emerging world the policy pendulum now swings toward prudence and self-control. With similar discipline and a dash of humility, he concludes, the First World may yet recover and create long-term prosperity for all its citizens. Bold, rational, and forward-looking, Turnaround offers vital lessons for developed and developing nations in search of stability and growth.


Book Synopsis Turnaround by : Peter Blair Henry

Download or read book Turnaround written by Peter Blair Henry and published by Basic Books. This book was released on 2013-03-12 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thirty years ago, China seemed hopelessly mired in poverty, Mexico triggered the Third World Debt Crisis, and Brazil suffered under hyperinflation. Since then, these and other developing countries have turned themselves around, while First World nations, battered by crises, depend more than ever on sustained growth in emerging markets. In Turnaround, economist Peter Blair Henry argues that the secret to emerging countries’ success (and ours) is discipline—sustained commitment to a pragmatic growth strategy. With the global economy teetering on the brink, the stakes are higher than ever. And because stakes are so high for all nations, we need less polarization and more focus on facts to answer the fundamental question: which policy reforms, implemented under what circumstances, actually increase economic efficiency? Pushing past the tired debates, Henry shows that the stock market’s forecasts of policy impact provide an important complement to traditional measures. Through examples ranging from the drastic income disparity between Barbados and his native Jamaica to the “catch up” economics of China and the taming of inflation in Latin America, Henry shows that in much of the emerging world the policy pendulum now swings toward prudence and self-control. With similar discipline and a dash of humility, he concludes, the First World may yet recover and create long-term prosperity for all its citizens. Bold, rational, and forward-looking, Turnaround offers vital lessons for developed and developing nations in search of stability and growth.

Neoliberalism: A Very Short Introduction

Neoliberalism: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Manfred B. Steger

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2010-01-21

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 0191609765

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Anchored in the principles of the free-market economics, 'neoliberalism' has been associated with such different political leaders as Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Augusto Pinochet, and Junichiro Koizumi. In its heyday during the late 1990s, neoliberalism emerged as the world's dominant economic paradigm stretching from the Anglo-American heartlands of capitalism to the former communist bloc all the way to the developing regions of the global South. At the dawn of the new century, however, neoliberalism has been discredited as the global economy, built on its principles, has been shaken to its core by a financial calamity not seen since the dark years of the 1930s. So is neoliberalism doomed or will it regain its former glory? Will reform-minded G-20 leaders embark on a genuine new course or try to claw their way back to the neoliberal glory days of the Roaring Nineties? Is there a viable alternative to neoliberalism? Exploring the origins, core claims, and considerable variations of neoliberalism, this Very Short Introduction offers a concise and accessible introduction to one of the most debated 'isms' of our time. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Book Synopsis Neoliberalism: A Very Short Introduction by : Manfred B. Steger

Download or read book Neoliberalism: A Very Short Introduction written by Manfred B. Steger and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2010-01-21 with total page 169 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Anchored in the principles of the free-market economics, 'neoliberalism' has been associated with such different political leaders as Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Augusto Pinochet, and Junichiro Koizumi. In its heyday during the late 1990s, neoliberalism emerged as the world's dominant economic paradigm stretching from the Anglo-American heartlands of capitalism to the former communist bloc all the way to the developing regions of the global South. At the dawn of the new century, however, neoliberalism has been discredited as the global economy, built on its principles, has been shaken to its core by a financial calamity not seen since the dark years of the 1930s. So is neoliberalism doomed or will it regain its former glory? Will reform-minded G-20 leaders embark on a genuine new course or try to claw their way back to the neoliberal glory days of the Roaring Nineties? Is there a viable alternative to neoliberalism? Exploring the origins, core claims, and considerable variations of neoliberalism, this Very Short Introduction offers a concise and accessible introduction to one of the most debated 'isms' of our time. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

John Major: An Unsuccessful Prime Minister?

John Major: An Unsuccessful Prime Minister?

Author: Kevin Hickson

Publisher: Biteback Publishing

Published: 2017-05-23

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1785902717

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This year marks the twentieth anniversary of one of the most momentous general elections this country has ever seen. John Major's defeat in 1997 ended a record eighteen years of Tory government, prompting accusations of failure and ignominy. A controversial leader, Major oversaw numerous crises in international and domestic policy. Between 1990 and 1997, he presided over Britain's participations in the Gulf War, the start of the Northern Ireland peace process, the Maastricht Treaty negotiations and, famously, Black Wednesday and Britain's exit from the ERM. Towards the end, Major's government was split over Europe and ridden with allegations of sleaze. Widely criticised by the media and politicians from all parties, Major went on to be crushed by Tony Blair and New Labour in the 1997 general election. An Unsuccessful Prime Minister? is the first wide-ranging appraisal of John Major's government in nearly two decades. This book reconsiders the role of John Major as Prime Minister and the policy achievements of his government. Major's government faced many more constraints and left behind a more enduring legacy than his critics allowed at the time or since.


Book Synopsis John Major: An Unsuccessful Prime Minister? by : Kevin Hickson

Download or read book John Major: An Unsuccessful Prime Minister? written by Kevin Hickson and published by Biteback Publishing. This book was released on 2017-05-23 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This year marks the twentieth anniversary of one of the most momentous general elections this country has ever seen. John Major's defeat in 1997 ended a record eighteen years of Tory government, prompting accusations of failure and ignominy. A controversial leader, Major oversaw numerous crises in international and domestic policy. Between 1990 and 1997, he presided over Britain's participations in the Gulf War, the start of the Northern Ireland peace process, the Maastricht Treaty negotiations and, famously, Black Wednesday and Britain's exit from the ERM. Towards the end, Major's government was split over Europe and ridden with allegations of sleaze. Widely criticised by the media and politicians from all parties, Major went on to be crushed by Tony Blair and New Labour in the 1997 general election. An Unsuccessful Prime Minister? is the first wide-ranging appraisal of John Major's government in nearly two decades. This book reconsiders the role of John Major as Prime Minister and the policy achievements of his government. Major's government faced many more constraints and left behind a more enduring legacy than his critics allowed at the time or since.

Heroes or Villains?

Heroes or Villains?

Author: Jon Davis

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2019-02-14

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 0191613444

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Tony Blair was the political colossus in Britain for thirteen years, winning three elections in a row for New Labour, two of them by huge majorities. However, since leaving office he has been disowned by many in his own party, with the term 'Blairite' becoming an insult. The election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour Party leader in 2015 seemed to be, if not an equal, at least an opposite reaction to Blair's long dominance of the centre and left of British politics. Drawing on new contributions from most of the main players in the Blair government, including Tony Blair himself, Jon Davis and John Rentoul reconsider the history and common view of New Labour against its record of delivering moderate social democracy. They show how New Labour was not one party but two, and how it essentially governed as a coalition, much like the government that followed it. This book tells the inside story of how Tony Blair worked out, late in the day, his ideas for improving the NHS and school reform; how he groped towards, and was eventually defined by, a foreign policy of liberal interventionism; how he managed a difficult relationship with his Chancellor for ten years; and how Gordon Brown finally took over just as the boom went bust and the New Labour era came to an end. Rentoul and Davis reveal how the governing tribes dealt with each other in the New Labour years: not simply the 'Blairites' and the 'Brownites', but the 'temporary' ministers and the 'permanent', under-reported civil servants who worked alongside them. Many of the arguments that raged within and around the Blair government of 1997-2007 remain very much alive: reform of public services; the right course for the divided Labour Party; and the Iraq war. The Blair Government Reconsidered aims at a balanced account of how decisions were made, to allow the reader to make up their own mind about controversies that still dominate politics today.


Book Synopsis Heroes or Villains? by : Jon Davis

Download or read book Heroes or Villains? written by Jon Davis and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-02-14 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tony Blair was the political colossus in Britain for thirteen years, winning three elections in a row for New Labour, two of them by huge majorities. However, since leaving office he has been disowned by many in his own party, with the term 'Blairite' becoming an insult. The election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour Party leader in 2015 seemed to be, if not an equal, at least an opposite reaction to Blair's long dominance of the centre and left of British politics. Drawing on new contributions from most of the main players in the Blair government, including Tony Blair himself, Jon Davis and John Rentoul reconsider the history and common view of New Labour against its record of delivering moderate social democracy. They show how New Labour was not one party but two, and how it essentially governed as a coalition, much like the government that followed it. This book tells the inside story of how Tony Blair worked out, late in the day, his ideas for improving the NHS and school reform; how he groped towards, and was eventually defined by, a foreign policy of liberal interventionism; how he managed a difficult relationship with his Chancellor for ten years; and how Gordon Brown finally took over just as the boom went bust and the New Labour era came to an end. Rentoul and Davis reveal how the governing tribes dealt with each other in the New Labour years: not simply the 'Blairites' and the 'Brownites', but the 'temporary' ministers and the 'permanent', under-reported civil servants who worked alongside them. Many of the arguments that raged within and around the Blair government of 1997-2007 remain very much alive: reform of public services; the right course for the divided Labour Party; and the Iraq war. The Blair Government Reconsidered aims at a balanced account of how decisions were made, to allow the reader to make up their own mind about controversies that still dominate politics today.