Thatcherism

by Robert Skidelsky (Introduction)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1988

  $3.49

  A collection of essays drawn from across the political spectrum including both critics and admirers of Thatcherism. Despite the fact that Mrs Thatcher has dominated British politics for 8 years the nature, significance and staying power of Thatcherism is still hotly disputed. Her rejection of the consensus politics of the post-war period is not in doubt, yet she also embodies a much wider movement of ideas, by no means confined to Britain and characterized by a belief in the market economy, mistrust of the State and a hatred of collectivism. The essays not only shed light on a political phenomenon, but try to answer some of the most urgent questions of our time such as Is Thatcherism a new or false dawn? Is it an idea whose time has come? If so, why is this the case - and how long will its time be? The contributors include - Patrick Minford, Anthony King, Kenneth Minogue, David Marquand, Ivor Crewe, Frank Hahn, Ben Pimlott, Brian Barry, David Butler, A.H.Halsey and Ralf Dahrendorf.

• Used

  Paperback
  1989

  $3.49

  Mrs Thatcher has dominated British politics for over a decade, yet the nature, significance and staying power of Thatcherism are still hotly disputed. In the British context, Thatcherism is a shorthand for the break with the politics and economics of the 1950s and 1960s, based on full employment, the Welfare State, the mixed economy, and a corporatist approach to governing. However, it also stands for a much wider movement of opionion, by no means confined to Britain, and characterized, above all else, by a revival of belief in the market economy, a mistrust of the state, and a rejection of collectivism. The contributors to this challenging book are drawn from across the political spectrum, and include both critics and admirers of Thatcherism: between them they not only shed light on a remarkable political phenomenon, but attempt to answer some of the most urgent questions of our time. Is Thatcherism a new dawn, or a false dawn? Is it an idea whose time has come? If so, why - and for how long?