Late Soviet Britain: Why Materialist Utopias Fail

The UK's shift to radical economic liberalization, coupled with the weakening of governing institutions, has contributed to its instability. This book explores how the governing science of Leninist and neoliberal revolutions fails, offering insights into state failure in an open-system reality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The United Kingdom, historically renowned as one of the world's most robust democracies, has witnessed a concerning trend of instability. This book makes a compelling argument that a significant factor contributing to this instability lies in the transformation of the country's state. It reveals how Britain, driven by a fervent pursuit of radical economic liberalization, inadvertently weakened and ultimately shattered its own governing institutions. The crisis of democracy in affluent nations has prompted urgent examinations of neoliberal capitalism. This book, however, takes a unique approach by exploring how the governing science of Leninist and neoliberal revolutions fails for many of the same reasons. Despite their apparent political differences, Abby Innes argues that when we examine the similarities in their closed-system forms of economic reasoning and their strategies for government, we gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to state failure in the inherently open-system reality we inhabit.

The United Kingdom's journey towards instability can be traced back to its embrace of radical economic liberalization in the late 20th century. Driven by the belief in the free market's ability to foster growth and prosperity, the country underwent significant economic reforms. However, these reforms were implemented without considering the broader implications for the country's political and social structures.

As the economy became increasingly deregulated and market-driven, traditional governing institutions such as the parliament, the civil service, and the labor market began to erode. The power of capital became increasingly concentrated, leading to a growing wealth gap between the rich and the poor. At the same time, the welfare state, which had provided a safety net for citizens, was gradually dismantled, leaving many vulnerable and marginalized.

The erosion of governing institutions and the concentration of wealth created a fertile ground for political instability. The rise of populist movements, such as Brexit and the Trump administration in the United States, was fueled by the sense of disillusionment and frustration among the electorate. These movements tapped into the growing dissatisfaction with the established political order and promised to restore a sense of control and sovereignty to the people.

However, the promises of populist movements often fail to deliver on their promises. They often resort to divisive rhetoric and policies that undermine the stability of the country. For example, Brexit has led to economic uncertainty, political divisions, and a weakened sense of national identity. The Trump administration has pursued policies that prioritize the interests of corporations and the wealthy over the well-being of the general public, leading to environmental degradation, social inequality, and a decline in international relations.

The crisis of democracy in rich countries is not solely a result of neoliberal capitalism. It is also a reflection of the broader social and political changes that have taken place in recent decades. The rise of social media, for example, has facilitated the spread of misinformation and fake news, which can undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions and erode public trust. The increasing polarization of politics, with people retreating into their ideological bubbles and refusing to engage with those who hold different views, has also contributed to the breakdown of democratic norms and the erosion of trust between citizens and their government.

To address the crisis of democracy in rich countries, there is a need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of state failure. This includes promoting greater social and economic equality, investing in education and public infrastructure, and fostering a culture of civic engagement and dialogue. It is also important to address the power of capital and the concentration of wealth, through policies such as progressive taxation, labor market regulations, and social welfare programs.

In conclusion, the United Kingdom's journey towards instability is a cautionary tale of the dangers of pursuing radical economic liberalization without considering the broader implications for the country's political and social structures. The crisis of democracy in rich countries is not solely a result of neoliberal capitalism but also a reflection of the broader social and political changes that have taken place in recent decades. To address this crisis, there is a need for a comprehensive approach that promotes greater social and economic equality, invests in education and public infrastructure, and fosters a culture of civic engagement and dialogue. It is also important to address the power of capital and the concentration of wealth through policies such as progressive taxation, labor market regulations, and social welfare programs. By taking these steps.

Weight: 768g
ISBN-13: 9781009373623