The promise of the third way

"Aiming to transcend the outdated conflict between Left and Right, the Third Way was welcomed by leading figures on the world stage. Embracing the market economy while abjuring old-style state intervention, it recognizes the need to maintain national competitiveness in a context of globalization. The emphasis lies on private enterprise, labour flexibility, self-regulation and modernization. By invoking the values of community regeneration, rights and responsibilites, it promises greater equality of opportunity within a more socially inclusive framework." "However, its lack of direction and its indecisiveness have left the promise unfulfilled. A suitably modified Third Way needs to address the issues of market-generated inequality and social neglect to sustain its long-term potential, and satisfy its numerous critics. This book puts forward a rigorous rethinking towards making the Third Way an effective instrument for progress in Britain as well as abroad."--Jacket.