The Death of Consensus: 100 Years of British Political Nightmares

In the first century of mass democracy, politics has been marked by crisis, from the Great Depression to the present. Phil Tinline's book explores how these crises have shaped the country and how the death of consensus has led to new political threats and divisions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Over the course of Britain's first century of mass democracy, politics has been plagued by a series of crises that have left the country in a state of turmoil. In this essay, journalist Phil Tinline explores how the history of political agony in Britain sheds light on our current age of upheaval.

To begin, Tinline takes us back to two past eras when the ruling consensus broke down and the future seemed filled with ominous possibilities. The first of these was the Great Depression, which saw the specters of fascism, bombing, and mass unemployment force politicians to think the unthinkable and pave the way to post-war Britain. The second was the Thatcher years, which were marked by a decade of nightmares, including hyperinflation, military coups, and communist dictatorship.

Despite these challenges, Tinline argues that the Great Depressions and Thatcher years ultimately led to a new settlement in British politics. The Great Depression forced politicians to prioritize social welfare and economic stability, which laid the foundation for the post-war welfare state. Similarly, Thatcher's policies of privatization and deregulation paved the way for economic growth and prosperity in the 1980s and 1990s.

However, since the Crash in 2008, new political threats and divisions have forced us to change course once again. The rise of populism and nationalism has led to a polarization of politics, with many people feeling disenfranchised and excluded from the political process. This has led to a rise in political extremism and a decline in trust in institutions such as the government and the media.

Tinline's book, The Death of Consensus, is a lively and original account of panic and chaos that reveals how apparent catastrophes can clear the path to a new era. He argues that the death of consensus in British politics has been a long and complex process, but that it is ultimately a positive development. By forcing politicians to confront the challenges of the present, Tinline suggests that we can create a more inclusive and democratic society that is better equipped to face the future.

In conclusion, the history of political agony in Britain provides valuable insights into our current age of upheaval. By exploring how the Great Depressions and Thatcher years led to a new settlement in British politics, Tinline suggests that we can learn from the past and create a more inclusive and democratic society that is better equipped to face the challenges of the future.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805260356
Edition number: New ed