"This book begins by tracing the sea-change in British politics from the 1970s to the end of the 20th century. The dominance of market ideology, the decline of social democracy and the 'marketization' of public policy are related to a widespread acceptance of globalization. Contemporary global capitalism is analysed, not least as to its likely effect on countries such as Britain. New Labour's 'Third Way' is portrayed as reinforcing the apparent inevitability of globalization.".

"The second part of the book, as well as sketching an economic alternative, investigates how political theory and ethical concepts can help us today to re-establish the search for human freedom and a 'balanced' society."--BOOK JACKET.