Beyond Left and Right
The Future of Radical Politics
1. Auflage Oktober 1994
288 Seiten, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
How should one understand the nature and possibilities of political
radicalism today? The political radical is normally thought of as
someone who stands on the left, opposing backward-looking
conservatism. In the present day, however, the left has turned
defensive, while the right has become radical, advocating the free
play of market forces no matter what obstacles of tradition or
custom stand in their way.
What explains such a curious twist of perspective? In answering
this question Giddens develops a new framework for radical
politics, drawing freely on what he calls "philosophic
conservatism", but applying this outlook in the service of values
normally associated with the Left. The ecological crisis is at the
core of this analysis, but is understood by Giddens in an
unconventional way - as a response to a world in which modernity
has run up against its limits as a social and moral order. The end
of nature, as an entity existing independently of human
intervention, and the end of tradition, combined with the impact of
globalization, are the forces which now have to be confronted, made
use of and coped with.
This book provides a powerful interpretation of the rise of
fundamentalism, of democracy, the persistence of gender divisions
and the question of a normative political theory of violence. It
will be essential reading for anyone seeking a novel approach to
the political challenges which we face at the turn of the
twenty-first century.
Introduction.
1. Conservatism: Radicalism Embraced.
2. Socialism: The Retreat from Radicalism.
3. The Social Revolutions of Our Time.
4. Two Theories of Democratization.
5. Contradictions of the Welfare State.
6. Generative Politics and Positive Welfare.
7. Positive Welfare, Poverty and Life Values.
8. Modernity under a Negative Sign: Ecological Issues and Life
Politics.
9. Political Theory and the Problem of Violence.
10. Questions of Agency and Values.
Notes.
Index.
in Britain and much of Continental Europe without the distinctive
contribution of Anthony Giddens. His prolific work has the unique
merit of tying together the rich tradition of modern social thought
with the challenges of whatever is new and unprecedented in what he
has called the "late modern" or "post-traditional" world."
Times Literary Supplement
"At a time when the pundits are already picking through the
ruins of a rapidly disintegrating Conservative Government,
anticipating the all-but-inevitable triumph of Tony Blair's
seductive socialism, Beyond Left and Right offers a timely
critique of it all."
Times Higher Education Supplement
"Giddens's discussion usefully joins seemingly disparate issues
and political perspectives ... This work outlines a promising path
for more detailed research."
Ethics
"I would recommend this book. It has given me some new insights
into old problems and made me realise again the importance of
dialogue in interpersonal relations. That in itself is a very small
step towards a better world."
New Times
"The texture and range of Giddens's argument is as important as
his conclusions. His frequent asides are often insightful and
contribute to the sense that one is reading both a major work of
scholarship and the crystallisation of many years of
thought."
Renewal
"It is impossible to locate this excellent text in any one area
of interest: few could fail to gain anything from it."
Aslib Book Guide
"The author seeks to analyse the far-reaching social changes now
taking place with the help of a number of new, thought-provoking
concepts."
Labour Research
"Anthony Giddens, in Beyond Left and Right, spoke
perspicuously of the conditions of 'manufactured uncertainty' in
postmodern societies."
Contemporary Review
