Publisher Description

This book presents Ralph Miliband's reflections on the world socialists face after the fall of communism and the fundamental changes in social structure which Western societies have undergone in recent times. Miliband argues thta socialism has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society and, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but perfectly possible.

Back Cover

This original volume offers a critical examination of a number of developments which in recent years have undermined the idea of socialism and eroded its electoral appeal. Among these developments are the collapse of communist regimes, the fragmentation of the constituencies upon which earlier socialist advances depended, changes in the organization and dynamics of capitalism, and a death of agencies committed to the socialist project. The book argues that a social order dominated by the logic of capital and competition cannot, despite all the positive claims made on its behalf, produce the conditions which make true citizenship and community possible. By contrast, socialism offers an attractive and feasible programme for the realization of these ideals. Miliband argues that socialism cannot be seen as an answer to all the ills which have plagued humankind. Socialism, in his view, has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society and he believes that, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but also perfectly possible. Moreover, he believes, socialism will, in time, come to command a majority support which its advancement requires.

Flap

This original volume offers a critical examination of a number of developments which in recent years have undermined the idea of socialism and eroded its electoral appeal. Among these developments are the collapse of communist regimes, the fragmentation of the constituencies upon which earlier socialist advances depended, changes in the organization and dynamics of capitalism, and a death of agencies committed to the socialist project. The book argues that a social order dominated by the logic of capital and competition cannot, despite all the positive claims made on its behalf, produce the conditions which make true citizenship and community possible. By contrast, socialism offers an attractive and feasible programme for the realization of these ideals. Miliband argues that socialism cannot be seen as an answer to all the ills which have plagued humankind. Socialism, in his view, has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society and he believes that, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but also perfectly possible. Moreover, he believes, socialism will, in time, come to command a majority support which its advancement requires.

Author Biography

Before his recent death, Ralph Miliband was one of the most eminent political thinkers on the Left not only in Britain but across the world. He is well known for his previous books, including The State in a Capitalist Society, which have all sold hundreds of thousands of copies.

Table of Contents

Introduction. 1. The Case Against Capitalism. 2. Socialist Aspirations. 3. Mechanisms of Democracy. 4. The Mixed Economy, Socialist Style. 5. Constituencies, Agencies, Strategies. 6. The Politics of Survival. 7. Prospects. Index.

Review

'Socialism for a Sceptical Age is in some sort Miliband's political testament. Starting from the far left rather than the revisionist or 'new times' right, cosmopolitan rather than parochial, concerned with reinventing socialism rather rewriting Clause Four, Miliband still comes uncannily close to converging on the common sense of Labour politics.' New Statesman and Society 'His last book is a valuable contribution to an ongoing debate. I strongly recommend everyone interested in politics to read it and discuss its ideas.' New Times 'The excesses of privatization, and the decline in public provision of health, education and transport, are causing a reassessment of the market-led revolution of the 1980s. Miliband's thoughtful, well-written tract is a contribution tothat reassessment.' Political Studies 'Contributes to academic analysis, while also providing food for thought ... Miliband's final work is important and challenging.' Contemporary Politics 'Miliband at his best as a critic of capitalism and a defender of socialism.' Green Left 'His last work is invaluable reading ... this book leaves one's thinking rejuvenated ... As with all Miliband's writing, it is concise and easy to read as well as being intellectually stimulating ... I cannot recommend it too highly.' Critical Social Policy

Long Description

This original volume offers a critical examination of a number of developments which in recent years have undermined the idea of socialism and eroded its electoral appeal. Among these developments are the collapse of communist regimes, the fragmentation of the constituencies upon which earlier socialist advances depended, changes in the organization and dynamics of capitalism, and a death of agencies committed to the socialist project. The book argues that a social order dominated by the logic of capital and competition cannot, despite all the positive claims made on its behalf, produce the conditions which make true citizenship and community possible. By contrast, socialism offers an attractive and feasible programme for the realization of these ideals. Miliband argues that socialism cannot be seen as an answer to all the ills which have plagued humankind. Socialism, in his view, has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society and he believes that, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but also perfectly possible. Moreover, he believes, socialism will, in time, come to command a majority support which its advancement requires.

Review Text

'Socialism for a Sceptical Age is in some sort Miliband's political testament. Starting from the far left rather than the revisionist or 'new times' right, cosmopolitan rather than parochial, concerned with reinventing socialism rather rewriting Clause Four, Miliband still comes uncannily close to converging on the common sense of Labour politics.' New Statesman and Society 'His last book is a valuable contribution to an ongoing debate. I strongly recommend everyone interested in politics to read it and discuss its ideas.' New Times 'The excesses of privatization, and the decline in public provision of health, education and transport, are causing a reassessment of the market-led revolution of the 1980s. Miliband's thoughtful, well-written tract is a contribution tothat reassessment.' Political Studies 'Contributes to academic analysis, while also providing food for thought ... Miliband's final work is important and challenging.' Contemporary Politics 'Miliband at his best as a critic of capitalism and a defender of socialism.' Green Left 'His last work is invaluable reading ... this book leaves one's thinking rejuvenated ... As with all Miliband's writing, it is concise and easy to read as well as being intellectually stimulating ... I cannot recommend it too highly.' Critical Social Policy

Review Quote

'Socialism for a Sceptical Age is in some sort Miliband's political testament. Starting from the far left rather than the revisionist or 'new times' right, cosmopolitan rather than parochial, concerned with reinventing socialism rather rewriting Clause Four, Miliband still comes uncannily close to converging on the common sense of Labour politics.' New Statesman and Society'His last book is a valuable contribution to an ongoing debate. I strongly recommend everyone interested in politics to read it and discuss its ideas.' New Times'The excesses of privatization, and the decline in public provision of health, education and transport, are causing a reassessment of the market-led revolution of the 1980s. Miliband's thoughtful, well-written tract is a contribution tothat reassessment.' Political Studies'Contributes to academic analysis, while also providing food for thought ... Miliband's final work is important and challenging.' Contemporary Politics'Miliband at his best as a critic of capitalism and a defender of socialism.' Green Left'His last work is invaluable reading ... this book leaves one's thinking rejuvenated ... As with all Miliband's writing, it is concise and easy to read as well as being intellectually stimulating ... I cannot recommend it too highly.' Critical Social Policy

Feature

* This volume presents Miliband's reflections on the world socialists face after the fall of communism and the fundamental changes in social structure which Western societies have undergone in recent times. Miliband's thought is consistently innovative and insightful.
* The volume presents a thorough defence of the socialist project in an age sceptical about socialism. This is a thoroughly original re-examination of the socialist project by a committed believer.
* This book will be widely reviewed.

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