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Understanding British Party Politics
Understanding British Party Politics
paperback
Published:
8 April, 2011
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Description
This fluid and uncertain political scene provides a unique moment to explore the dynamics of UK political parties and the key challenges facing them as they grapple with the changing shape of politics in 21st century Britain. Key questions explored in this book include:
- How far have Labour and the Conservatives escaped from the shadow of Thatcherism?
- What turned the Liberal Democrats from a party of protest to a party of power?
- To what extent have green and far-right politics entered the political mainstream?
- What impact, if any, has devolution had on party lines across the UK?
Moreover, at a time when trust in politics has hit an all time low, political parties are facing a crisis in confidence. Membership of mainstream parties has melted away, while support for pressure groups in areas such as the environment and human rights has grown. At the same time, parties rely on hired professionals to win support among the growing number of independently-minded voters. In understanding how political parties have become much more aggressive, professionally-driven organizations, this book points to real concerns about their capacity to engage and mobilise an increasingly critical and disenchanted electorate. British politics needs strong parties, but to regain voters' trust, they need to change.
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9780745640785 |
| ISBN10 | 0745640788 |
| Number Of Pages | 220 |
| Item Weight | 485 g |
| Product Dimensions | 172 x 246 x 18 mm |
| Publisher / Reseller | John Wiley and Sons Ltd |
| Format | paperback |
Media Reviews
"Not only an excellent introductory textbook, it is also a timely reminder of why formal political parties still matter, despite all the enormous pressures being placed upon them."
Political Studies Review
"Competently, clearly and concisely written, with great and knowledgeable detail given to the historical events and occurrences that created the political parties we have today."
LSE Blog
"This book combines approachability with comparative concerns and insights: the author not only provides an introduction to UK party politics but sets the British system in context. As a result, it's an ideal entry-level text for students."
Tim Bale, University of Sussex
"This is an excellent text which charts a safe path for students through the minefield that is contemporary British party politics in a wonderfully efficient yet engaging way."
Colin Hay, University of Sheffield
"An excellent introductory undergraduate text. It covers history, ideology, strategic debate, organisation, the functions of parties and the challenges to them, plus debates about reform - and there are good overviews of each of the main protagonists in the UK party system. Extremely readable, informative, engaging and up-to-date."
Paul Webb, University of Sussex
GoodReads Reviews
Author's Bio
Stephen Driver is head of the Department of Social Sciences at Roehampton University.