Beyond Left and Right

Beschreibung

How should one understand the nature and possibilities of politicalradicalism today? The political radical is normally thought of assomeone who stands on the left, opposing backward-lookingconservatism. In the present day, however, the left has turneddefensive, while the right has become radical, advocating the freeplay of market forces no matter what obstacles of tradition orcustom stand in their way. What explains such a curious twist of perspective? In answeringthis question Giddens develops a new framework for radicalpolitics, drawing freely on what he calls "philosophicconservatism", but applying this outlook in the service of valuesnormally associated with the Left. The ecological crisis is at thecore of this analysis, but is understood by Giddens in anunconventional way - as a response to a world in which modernityhas run up against its limits as a social and moral order. The endof nature, as an entity existing independently of humanintervention, and the end of tradition, combined with the impact ofglobalization, are the forces which now have to be confronted, madeuse of and coped with. This book provides a powerful interpretation of the rise offundamentalism, of democracy, the persistence of gender divisionsand the question of a normative political theory of violence. Itwill be essential reading for anyone seeking a novel approach tothe political challenges which we face at the turn of thetwenty-first century.

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Anthony Giddens

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Political Philosophy & Theory Political Science Political Sociology Politikwissenschaft Politische Philosophie u. Politiktheorie Politische Soziologie Sociology Soziologie

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"It is difficult to imagine social-scientific thought and practicein Britain and much of Continental Europe without the distinctivecontribution of Anthony Giddens. His prolific work has the uniquemerit of tying together the rich tradition of modern social thoughtwith the challenges of whatever is new and unprecedented in what hehas called the "late modern" or "post-traditional" world." Times Literary Supplement "At a time when the pundits are already picking through theruins of a rapidly disintegrating Conservative Government,anticipating the all-but-inevitable triumph of Tony Blair'sseductive socialism, Beyond Left and Right offers a timelycritique of it all." Times Higher Education Supplement "Giddens's discussion usefully joins seemingly disparate issuesand political perspectives ... This work outlines a promising pathfor more detailed research." Ethics "I would recommend this book. It has given me some new insightsinto old problems and made me realise again the importance ofdialogue in interpersonal relations. That in itself is a very smallstep towards a better world." New Times "The texture and range of Giddens's argument is as important ashis conclusions. His frequent asides are often insightful andcontribute to the sense that one is reading both a major work ofscholarship and the crystallisation of many years ofthought." Renewal "It is impossible to locate this excellent text in any one areaof interest: few could fail to gain anything from it." Aslib Book Guide "The author seeks to analyse the far-reaching social changes nowtaking place with the help of a number of new, thought-provokingconcepts." Labour Research "Anthony Giddens, in Beyond Left and Right, spokeperspicuously of the conditions of 'manufactured uncertainty' inpostmodern societies." Contemporary Review
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