Leftism Reinvented: Western Parties from Socialism to Neoliberalism

Left-leaning political parties have shifted their promises from protection to adaptation to a market-driven world, leading to the rise of extreme parties. Stephanie L. Mudges' book "Leftism Reinvented" examines the history of the Swedish and German Social Democrats, the British Labour Party, and the American Democratic Party, arguing that left parties' changing promises reflect the worldviews of different kinds of experts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2018
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Left-leaning political parties hold significant importance as representatives of the marginalized and disempowered. In the past, they fulfilled this role by promising safeguards against the forces of capital and the market's tendency to perpetuate inequality. However, a significant shift occurred in the 1990s when these parties abandoned their commitment to protection, instead urging voters to adapt to a market-driven world. Concurrently, the emergence of new, extreme parties brought forth promises of economic protection, albeit in an aggressive and anti-immigrant tone.

To gain a deeper understanding of the peculiar political landscape of today, Stephanie L. Mudges' Leftism Reinvented delves into the historical narratives of the Swedish and German Social Democrats, the British Labour Party, and the American Democratic Party. Challenging the notion that parties merely react to external forces, Mudges argues that the changing promises of left parties reflect the worldviews of diverse groups of experts. To comprehend the language and messaging employed by left parties, it is essential to examine the individuals who speak on their behalf.

In the early 1960s, Keynesian economists emerged as the vocal advocates for left parties. These economists viewed their role as discretionary, politically sensitive economic management. However, a transformative shift occurred in the 1980s when a new breed of economists took center stage. These economists regarded the advancement of markets as the primary objective of left parties. As voter loyalty to left parties waned, professional strategists were enlisted to "spin" party messages, ultimately undermining the credibility and effectiveness of these parties.

Leftism Reinvented poses profound questions regarding the roles and responsibilities of left parties and their esteemed experts in contemporary politics. It prompts us to reevaluate the significance of these parties in addressing the needs and concerns of the marginalized and disempowered. Furthermore, it underscores the need for a renewed commitment to protection and social welfare, as well as the importance of engaging with and incorporating the perspectives of a diverse range of experts in shaping political discourse and policy.

Weight: 1014g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674971813