The Future of Politics

The left/right confrontational system is coming to an end, since it is failing to further promote the interests of majorities worldwide. For 200 years it has acted as the linchpin of democracy, and politics is almost unthinkable without referring to the concepts of the Left or the Right. This book describes how the old confrontational system has fulfilled a vital function for the progress of humanity, but how in advanced industrial economies everywhere, it is now reaching the end of its useful purpose. This is not only reflected in the collapse of party memberships globally, but in the tendency of legislation and the executive to compound rather than resolve the issues of our age. Meanwhile, a new class is emerging in the advanced industrial world, which the author describes as the middle-middle 90 per cent plus majority. Because contemporary parties are trapped in a time-warp of the past, they are unable to represent the interests of this new majority. The most urgent political issue of our time - heightened by the debt-fuelled financial crisis - is the need to make the banking and corporate sectors socially responsible. This book outlines a practical strategy towards this end. Only when that is achieved will it be possible to address effectively such pressing issues as climate change. Over the past 60 years society and the world of work have been transformed out of all recognition. Whilst the world of actuality has raced ahead, political thought has lagged behind - unable to keep apace with the significance of real events. In the light of this situation, the author points to the necessity for a fresh approach to political thought in breaking the existing mould. New and more effective democratic mechanisms are needed to ensure a socially just and equitable society for a better future. Hence the now malign left/right concepts of the past must be repudiated forever.