Left-of-centre democratic ideologies and movements Books

Book SynopsisAnthony Crosland's The Future of Socialism (1956) provided a creed for governments of the centre left. Now Peter Hain revisits this classic text and presents a stimulating political prospectus for today. It should be read by everyone interested in the future of the left.Trade Review"The book is thoughtful, and well written and it provides a useful overview of recent developments, written from a positive but critical socialist perspective." Political Studies Review"Indefatigably upbeat" Observer"Fresh thinking to tackle rising inequality and environmental degradation which imperil human development today." Helen Clark, United Nations Development Programme and former Prime Minster of New Zealand"A clarion call for justice, equality and liberty to triumph" Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize Winner"This is a tour de force, and could hardly be more timely" William Keegan, Senior Economics Commentator, The Observer“A front-line politician's treatise that makes the case for democratic socialism over neo-liberalism, has to be welcome. Peter Hain makes clear why there can be no going back to New Labour, if the party is to be true to its soul." Baroness Ruth Lister"Its strength is its pace and breadth: Hain argues for taxes on unused development land to encourage housebuilding; condemns New Labour for turning into “Nervous Labour” and leaving it until 2010 to raise the top rate of income tax to 50 per cent; and he reasons that UK banks are “anti-business”; “obsessed with the short-term” and quick profits, when small and medium-sized firms need years of support." The Independent"A clarion call for justice, equality and liberty to triumph. Greed and selfishness, a widening chasm between the haves and the have nots, indifference to climate change and poverty, threaten the very future of humankind." Archbishop Desmond Tutu"The value of this book is that it sparks the sort of lively and nuanced debate that is too often drowned out in a public discussion so dominated by neoliberal values." Tribune"A compelling Keynesian critique of market liberalism's failings." Times Literary Supplement"Hain challenges us to think hard about the nature of our commitment to social democratic ideas." Progress"Taking up where Tawney and Crosland left off, Peter Hain shows practical ways in which sustained recovery of fairness,fulfilment and freedom can be achieved in this generation." Lord Neil Kinnock"An exceptionally robust and terrific book...scrupulously well researched and timely" David Marx Book Reviews"Peter Hain proves why reports of the death of socialism were greatly exaggerated. It just needed reviving." Kevin Maguire, Daily MirrorTable of ContentsPreface; Introduction: Back to the future of socialism; The Crosland agenda; New Labour, Crosland and the crisis; Finance and the new capitalism; Growth not cuts; Growth by active government; Fraternity, cooperation, trade unionism; But what sort of socialist state?; A new internationalism; Britain in Europe; Refounding Labour; Faster, sustainable growth; A fairer, more equal society; A future for Labour.

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Book SynopsisSixteen for '16 offers a new agenda for the 2016 US election crafted around sixteen core principles from securing jobs to saving the Earth. It is a manifesto which makes the argument for each of these positions, clearly, concisely, and supported by hard data. Its progressive agenda charts a realistic path toward a better tomorrow.Trade Review"Yet another progressive agenda, you might well say. But this one is different. It is so sensible and straightforward that it actually dispels the cloudy and complicated debates that confuse us about our policy options." Frances Fox Piven, City University of New York and former president of the American Sociological Association"For a country regularly generating deadly crises for itself and the globe, savvy sociologist Salvatore Babones demonstrates the urgent necessity of sixteen progressive social reforms. Arguing from scientific evidence, he proffers an essential list of restructuring issues for this failed democracy." Joe Feagin, Distinguished Professor, Texas A&M University; former president, American Sociological Association, and author of Liberation Sociology"A roster of priorities that will, quite simply, make the world a better place, not just for us, but for the generations that follow" Truthout."Babones powerfully illustrates how quality data fuels a progressive political agenda; an agenda insistently democratic and sociological in nature. Any of these sixteen initiatives would help the U.S. fulfill the dream of equality for all, by creating policies that maximize the best of collective human agency. "Government is not the problem, Babones observes. "We are the problem. Government is the solution." Direct. Insightful. Energizing." Bruce K. Friesen, President, Sociologists Without Borders - U.S.?"Reminds us of those times when Democrats, Republicans, Socialists, Green Party activists and Independents could all be proud of America and proposes how we can relaunch a common vision for the future" ?Judith Blau, Professor Emerita?, University of North Carolina"Distills policy ideas into proposals for a progressive agenda in the 2016 elections and beyond....highlights areas in which current policies are not working then lays out a common-sense solution that has proven popular support...uplifting" Library Journal"Salvatore Babones' new book provides useful insights on many of the most important issues facing the country. The political picture will be far brighter if his list of priorities were at the top of the national agenda." Dean Baker, Co-director, Center for Economic and Policy Research"Babones has distilled the ocean of progressive policy ideas into specific proposals for a progressive policy agenda in the 2016 elections and beyond." Library Journal?“This book brilliantly critiques and offers concrete practices and policy suggestions about how to move from calls for empty reform to real change. A must read.” Professor Henry A Giroux, McMaster University Chair for Scholarship in the Public Interest"If you can't bear the thought of still another Presidential election campaign that offers no real answers to the problems we face, read this book--and share it with your friends--and with your favorite Presidential candidate." Steve Cobble, Institute for Policy Studies, WashingtonTable of ContentsCreate Jobs; Build America's Human Infrastructure; Support Public Education; Extend Medicare to Everyone; Raise Taxes on Top Incomes; Refinance Social Security; Make the Bankers Pay; Make It Easy to Join a Union; Set a Living Minimum Wage; Upgrade to 10-10-10; Put an End to the Prison State; Pass a National Abortion Law; Let People Vote; Stop Torturing, Stop Assassinating, and Close Down the NSA; Suffer the Refugee Children; Save the Earth.

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Book SynopsisReclaiming Social Democracy is the first major reappraisal of social democracy on the centre-left since the election of Jeremy Corbyn. With a foreword by Lord Hain, it examines its foundational principles and identifies the values needed to find a route back to political credibility for Labour.Trade Review"A perceptive contribution to debates about the Labour Party which now faces a crisis of existence as a serious political force." Lord Neil Kinnock"A serious and timely attempt to find a solution to Labour's 'existential crisis'." Steven Fielding, University of NottinghamTable of ContentsForeword: Rediscovering confidence and soul ~ Lord Hain; Introduction ~ Kevin Hickson; Equality ~ Robert M. Page; Welfare ~ Pete Redford; Public Services ~ Simon Griffiths; Social cohesion ~ Jasper Miles; Civil Liberties ~ Judi Atkins; Citizenship and the constituion ~ Emily Robinson; Internationalism ~ Matt Beech; Conclusion ~ Kevin Hickson.

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Book SynopsisGerman Social Democracy through British Eyes uses diplomatic reports sent from Germany to Britain to document the rise of social democracy as well as efforts to repress it.Trade Review“Retallack has assembled a rich selection of reports written by British diplomats, most of whom were posted to Dresden, the Saxon capital. The bulk of them are from George Strachey, Britain’s envoy to Saxony from October 1873 to July 1897. Impressive in quality and range, they make for fascinating reading.” -- Jan Rüger, University of London * Journal of Modern History *Table of ContentsList of Tables List of Figures List of Maps Preface Note on the Documents Introduction Historical Overview Documents Part I: 1870–1877 Part II: 1878–1889 Part III: 1890–1897 Part IV: 1898–1909 Part V: 1910–1914

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Book SynopsisOn the eve of the First World War, the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) was the largest and most powerful socialist party in the world. German Social Democracy through British Eyes examines the SPD’s rise using British diplomatic reports from Saxony, the third-largest federal state in Imperial Germany and the cradle of the socialist movement in that country. Rather than focusing on the Anglo-German antagonism leading to the First World War, the book peers into the everyday struggles of German workers to build a political movement and emancipate themselves from the worst features of a modern capitalist system: exploitation, poverty, and injustice. The archival documents, most of which have never been published before, raise the question of how people from one nation view people from another. The documents also illuminate political systems, election practices, and anti-democratic strategies at the local and regional levels, allowing readers to test hypotheses Trade Review“Retallack has assembled a rich selection of reports written by British diplomats, most of whom were posted to Dresden, the Saxon capital. The bulk of them are from George Strachey, Britain’s envoy to Saxony from October 1873 to July 1897. Impressive in quality and range, they make for fascinating reading.” -- Jan Rüger, University of London * Journal of Modern History *Table of ContentsList of Tables List of Figures List of Maps Preface Note on the Documents Introduction Historical Overview Documents Part I: 1870–1877 Part II: 1878–1889 Part III: 1890–1897 Part IV: 1898–1909 Part V: 1910–1914

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Book SynopsisThere has been little analysis of the forces that have contributed to the rise of radicalism in Canada, or to the organizations that subsequently resulted. The ultra-left in the Canadian political spectrum, has been almost totally overlooked. This study is the first to trace the origins and growth of the Party during the initial decade of its existence. Its history is of particular interest because it is unique among Canadian political bodies in drawing its inspiration as well as practical advice from an external source: The Communist International which subordinated the Canadian party to Moscow and to the Communist Party of the Society Union. The Communist party is the only Canadian political body which can trace its origins to an epochal event such as the Russian Revolution. Soldiers of the International covers the origins and growth of the Canadian party in detail and shows that its programme and development paralleled those of other Communist parties throughout the

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Book SynopsisThe St. Louis Commune of 1877 tells for the first time the entire and exciting story of the St. Louis Commune of 1877, when U.S. workers assumed political control of the city of St. Louis, Missouri, during the Great Railroad Strike.Trade Review"In The St. Louis Commune of 1877: Communism in the Heartland, Mark Kruger offers a compelling contribution to nineteenth-century United States labor history framed within a transnational context."—Matt Corpolongo, Middle West Review"By revisiting with fervor and thoroughness a time and place where workers staged a general strike and revolutionaries briefly claimed the reins of power, Mark Kruger's The St. Louis Commune of 1877 deepens our appreciation and beckons further exploration of this exceptional moment in the nation's labor history."—Dan Graff, Missouri Historical Review"Mark Kruger has masterfully unearthed an episode of labor history which the ruling class had buried and tried to permanently erase. . . . This is a book well worth reading."—Bob Bonner, Marxism-Leninism Today"This look into an early demonstration of the American communist and labor movements not only fills a gap in the existing literature, but also provides a riveting story of greed, corruption, and the rebellion of the working class in America. Kruger thoroughly accounts for the factors that precipitated the St. Louis Commune of 1877."—Meredith C. Busch, Western Historical Quarterly"Kruger's book has valuable lessons. It should find a working class audience at a time when socialism's popularity is on the rise."—Douglas Lyons, wsws.org"Researchers interested in the early socialist movements in the United States and around the globe should particularly find this work informative, being the first book on the subject in over half a century. It should also appeal to the casual reader who appreciates a good historical study."—Steven Cox, Nebraska History"The St. Louis Commune of 1877 is a strong contribution to the history of the Gilded Age. Connecting literature on immigration, labor, and radicalism, Kruger debunks the myth that socialism and class struggle are absent in American history. Undergraduate students will be fascinated by these events, made digestible by Kruger's refreshingly direct writing style."—T. Mackaman, Choice"A useful introduction to a fascinating and critical episode in American history."—Peter H. Argersinger, Kansas History“The stirring story of St. Louis’s 1877 general strike, in which workers came to rule a city by withdrawing their labor, deserves telling and retelling.”—David Roediger, author of The Sinking Middle Class: A Political History“A marvelous [look at] a crucial moment in American history. Mark Kruger has captured the drama and context of the forgotten uprising of working people as the close of Radical Reconstruction ended the ongoing social transformation that W. E. B. Du Bois would describe as the finest moment of interracial democracy in the nineteenth century.”—Paul Buhle, author of Marxism in the United States: Remapping the History of the American LeftTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Revolution Comes to St. Louis 2. Revolution in Europe 3. After the Civil War 4. The Paris Commune 5. The First International 6. The Condition of the American Working Class 7. German Immigration 8. The Railroad Strike 9. The St. Louis Commune Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisTo understand a city fully, writes Di Wang, we must observe its most basic units of social life. In The Teahouse under Socialism, Wang does just that, arguing that the teahouses of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, are some of the most important public spacesperfect sites for examining the social and economic activities of everyday Chinese.Wang looks at the transformation of these teahouses from private businesses to collective ownership and how state policy and the proprietors' response to it changed the overall economic and social structure of the city. He uses this transformation to illuminate broader trends in China's urban public life from 1950 through the end of the Cultural Revolution and into the post-Mao reform era. In doing so, The Teahouse under Socialism charts the fluctuations in fortune of this ancient cultural institution and analyzes how it survived, and even thrived, under bleak conditions.Throughout, Wang asks such questions as: Trade ReviewWritten in plain language, this book is easily accessible to non-professionals interested in Chinese urban culture. Meticulously researched, it also offers new material and insights to scholars in modern Chinese history, urban studies, cultural anthropology, and the sociology of leisure. * Journal of Interdisciplinary History *This book is clearly indispensable reading for anyone interested in modern Chinese social history, but given its accessibility and entertaining narrative style it will appeal to a general audience with concerns about the ways in which urban public space enhances everyday social and cultural experience. * China Review International *The Teahouse Under Socialism is a captivating account of the way in which broad political changes are manifested in small urban spaces. [A] deeply-researched and trans-disciplinary study, [it] makes a valuable contribution not only to Chinese and global urban history but to our understanding of civil society and the public sphere in non-Western contexts. * awards citation from Urban History Association, co-winner of Best Book in Non-North American History, 2017-2018 *Anyone who studies or is interested in PRC history or modern Chinese society should not miss the chance to read this book. * China Review *The Teahouse under Socialism is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand political and cultural change in Mao-era and post-Mao China. * History Reviews of New Books *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Urban Political Transitions under Socialism Part I. The Decline of Public Life, 1950–1976 1. The Demise of the Chengdu Teahouse Guild and the Fall of Small Business 2. State Control and the Rise of Socialist Entertainment 3. The Decline of Public Life under Mao's Rule Part II. The Return of Public Life, 1977–2000 4. The Resurgence of Teahouses in the Reform Era 5. Urban Residents and Migrant Workers in Public Life 6. The Power of Mahjong Conclusion: The State, the Teahouse, and the Public Sphere

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Book SynopsisTo understand a city fully, writes Di Wang, we must observe its most basic units of social life. In The Teahouse under Socialism, Wang does just that, arguing that the teahouses of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, are some of the most important public spacesperfect sites for examining the social and economic activities of everyday Chinese.Wang looks at the transformation of these teahouses from private businesses to collective ownership and how state policy and the proprietors' response to it changed the overall economic and social structure of the city. He uses this transformation to illuminate broader trends in China's urban public life from 1950 through the end of the Cultural Revolution and into the post-Mao reform era. In doing so, The Teahouse under Socialism charts the fluctuations in fortune of this ancient cultural institution and analyzes how it survived, and even thrived, under bleak conditions.Throughout, Wang asks such questions as: Trade ReviewWritten in plain language, this book is easily accessible to non-professionals interested in Chinese urban culture. Meticulously researched, it also offers new material and insights to scholars in modern Chinese history, urban studies, cultural anthropology, and the sociology of leisure. * Journal of Interdisciplinary History *This book is clearly indispensable reading for anyone interested in modern Chinese social history, but given its accessibility and entertaining narrative style it will appeal to a general audience with concerns about the ways in which urban public space enhances everyday social and cultural experience. * China Review International *The Teahouse Under Socialism is a captivating account of the way in which broad political changes are manifested in small urban spaces. [A] deeply-researched and trans-disciplinary study, [it] makes a valuable contribution not only to Chinese and global urban history but to our understanding of civil society and the public sphere in non-Western contexts. * awards citation from Urban History Association, co-winner of Best Book in Non-North American History, 2017-2018 *Anyone who studies or is interested in PRC history or modern Chinese society should not miss the chance to read this book. * China Review *The Teahouse under Socialism is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand political and cultural change in Mao-era and post-Mao China. * History Reviews of New Books *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Urban Political Transitions under Socialism Part I. The Decline of Public Life, 1950–1976 1. The Demise of the Chengdu Teahouse Guild and the Fall of Small Business 2. State Control and the Rise of Socialist Entertainment 3. The Decline of Public Life under Mao's Rule Part II. The Return of Public Life, 1977–2000 4. The Resurgence of Teahouses in the Reform Era 5. Urban Residents and Migrant Workers in Public Life 6. The Power of Mahjong Conclusion: The State, the Teahouse, and the Public Sphere

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Book SynopsisIn 1939, residents of a rural village near Chengdu watched as Lei Mingyuan, a member of a violent secret society known as the Gowned Brothers, executed his teenage daughter. Six years later, Shen Baoyuan, a sociology student at Yenching University, arrived in the town to conduct fieldwork on the society that once held sway over local matters. She got to know Lei Mingyuan and his family, recording many rare insights about the murder and the Gowned Brothers' inner workings. Using the filicide as a starting point to examine the history, culture, and organization of the Gowned Brothers, Di Wang offers nuanced insights into the structures of local power in 1940s rural Sichuan. Moreover, he examines the influence of Western sociology and anthropology on the way intellectuals in the Republic of China perceived rural communities. By studying the complex relationship between the Gowned Brothers and the Chinese Communist Party, he offers a unique perspective on China's transition to socialism. In so doing, Wang persuasively connects a family in a rural community, with little overt influence on national destiny, to the movements and ideologies that helped shape contemporary China.Trade Review"Di Wang's rich volume on the Sichuan Paoge offers a major contribution to the history of Chinese secret societies. Based in part on the fascinating thesis of a sociology student at Yenching University, the study brilliantly illuminates the complex linkages between rural society and culture, the limits of local government, and Western-inspired intellectual efforts to arrive at a new understanding of peasant life." -- David Ownby * author of Brotherhoods and Secret Societies in Early and Mid-Qing China *"Violence and Order on the Chengdu Plain is the first monograph in English that is solely dedicated to the study of paoge, one of the most influential secret societies in the upper- and middle-Yangzi regions in pre-1949 China. An elegant microhistory, this work weaves an intimate study with larger social and political contexts involving rebellions, revolutions, foreign invasion, state penetration, and peasant resistance that characterized twentieth-century China." -- Huaiyin Li * University of Texas at Austin *"Without doubt, Di Wang's new book represents an excellent example of a microhistory writing in the field of modern Chinese history." -- Shaofan An * Frontiers of History in China *"Every once in a blue moon, this reviewer finishes a book and thinks: 'Now this is the kind of book I aspire to write.' Di Wang's Violence and Order on the Chengdu Plain is one of those rare books....Full of pathos and interwoven with complex narratives, Violence and Order is rich in anthropological and sociological data collected in the 1930s and 1940s, and complete with entertaining and humanizing historical anecdotes." -- Kelly Hammond * China Review International *"Violence and Order on the Chengdu Plain is an illuminating study of how secret societies operated in early twentieth-century Sichuan and how they have been understood....[The book] adds to the recent flourishing of studies of Sichuan in the Republican period." -- Henrietta Harrison * Journal of Asian Studies *"Violence and Order on the Chengdu Plain is a far-reaching contribution to scholarship on secret societies, local governance, popular culture, and rural society in the first half of China's twentieth century that deserves to be widely read, by both specialists and nonspecialists alike." -- Benno R. Weiner * Twentieth-Century China *"Wang has made an impressive contribution to our understanding of Chinese secret societies, specifically the Paoge....this book is highly readable and is a welcome addition to the historiography of modern China." -- Hongyan Xiang * Pacific Affairs *Table of ContentsContents and AbstractsIntroduction: Two Voices Joined in the Chengdu Plain chapter abstractThe academic disciplines of sociology and anthropology took root in 1920s China under the influence of American scholars and missionaries. Among these pioneers were Shen Baoyuan's teachers in the Department of Sociology at Yenching University in Beijing. Under their influence, Shen aspired to become a "rural activist" and went to the countryside to learn about rural issues from peasants. In the summer of 1945 she traveled to the village she called Hope Township in the Chengdu Plain, Sichuan Province, to investigate the Gowned Brothers. This introduction discusses past scholarship of secret societies and traces the intellectual origins of Shen's investigation that built the academic foundation for her fieldwork. 1A Public Execution chapter abstractShen Baoyuan created the pseudonym Hope Township to protect the privacy of the people she investigated. However, based on the information in her report as well as other historical sources, this chapter confirms that Hope Township is in fact Chongyiqiao, a northern suburb of Chengdu. Lei Mingyuan, the central personality in Shen's report and head of the local branch of the Gowned Brothers, publicly lynched his daughter and the young tailor who worked for the family in response to rumors that the two were engaged in an affair. Despite the brutal and brazen nature of his crimes, however, Lei did not face any charges. This chapter details the horrific crime and its ramifications, looking at the problematic prevalence of lynching and the rule of law at the time. 2A Local Band of the Gowned Brothers chapter abstractThe Chengdu Plain, in rural western Sichuan, was one of the most affluent areas in all of inland China. All aspects of geography, ecology, economy, lifestyle, and local culture and customs enhanced the development and survival of the Gowned Brothers, who thrived here. This chapter describes these factors as well as the growth of the secret society. The organization was founded in the early Qing period with the goal of "overthrowing the Qing and restoring the Ming." In its long struggle against the Qing government, the Gowned Brothers developed a solid organizational structure and extensive power network. A large proportion of Sichuan's male population were members and played an active role in local control and security. This chapter documents how this secret society assumed and enforced dominance of local communities. 3Spirituality and Customs chapter abstractThis chapter explores the spiritual beliefs and actions of the Gowned Brothers and looks at how these reinforced the secret society's power structure. Paoge members took what was traditional and fashioned a variety of specialized rites and customs for themselves. Over the past forty or so years, historians and students of Chinese society have taken a much-needed neutral, in some sense anthropological, stance toward China's broad landscape of rites, beliefs, and religious and ceremonial practices. This chapter turns to the unique observations of Shen Baoyuan, who was fascinated with what many in academe of her time thought of as arcane and superstitious ploys. It begins with a short sketch of how traditional rites and beliefs were acted out in the Paoge's own local areas. Popular religions were closely tied to local culture, and the Gowned Brothers worshipped Guandi, which brought members together to fight for a common goal. 4Secret Codes and Language chapter abstractIn her investigation, Shen Baoyuan documented unique words used by Paoge members in everyday life, rituals, and communication, often referred to as "black words" or "hidden lingo." Her 1946 report explained pointed out that the very name of the Paoge originates from an agenda of "national spirit" and "revolutionary ideas," which was a way to refer to the anti-Manchu revolution. Haidi, documenting the organization's history, language, structure, and other information, was the organization's canonical text. The Gowned Brothers created their own language, which reflected their unique political ideas, identity, and historical narratives and provided a covert means of communication. This chapter analyzes the development and role of their secret language as well as the political implications. 5Disciplines and Dominance chapter abstractMembers of the Gowned Brothers reinforced their solidarity and internal stability through strict regulations, codes of conduct, and rituals for meetings and other activities. Any member who violated them would be harshly punished or even executed. This chapter examines these regulations and their chilling effect on nearly every type of behavior. Paoge members actively participated in stabilizing local order. The parties involved in a dispute usually did not pursue justice through a formal, forensic process, but instead went to a teahouse for "negotiation tea." This practice was an important means through which Paoge members learned about current events and kept order in even the smallest of neighborhoods. As prominent members of the community, the brothers challenged official judicial power in this role. This chapter describes the Paoge's mediation process and its effect on local jurisprudence. 6A Tenant Farmer and Paoge Master chapter abstractThis chapter examines Lei Mingyuan's economic situation as his leadership in the Gowned Brothers grew. Scholars generally believed that a tenant belonged to the economic class of poor peasants, but Lei, as a tenant farmer, did not actually do fieldwork. Instead, he hired four short-term laborers, whom he paid on a daily basis. Contrary to the assumption that a leader of the secret society would at least be economically well-to-do, Lei did not fit any category of the rural class division established by the Chinese Communist Party during the Land Revolution in the early 1950s. He rose to power primarily through success in fighting bandits. 7Entering the Paoge chapter abstractThis chapter describes the dynamics that led the Paoge worldview and policies that took hold in the Lei family. Although Lei Mingyuan was a Paoge leader, he was not omnipotent, according to Shen Baoyuan's observations in her 1946 report. He was imperceptibly influenced by social constraints, but he had to support his family and fulfill family obligations. Rice cultivation was the primary focus of those who lived in Hope Township, and the home Lei shared with his second wife, Woman Lei, was surrounded by bamboo groves and paddies. Woman Lei was literate and stern, the survivor of a great tragedy in her first marriage. Her demeanor and shrewdness enhanced the family's ability to establish Lei's reputation as a leader in the organization. 8The Decline of Power chapter abstractThis chapter describes the events that sealed Lei Mingyuan's grim demise, through the lens of the larger framework of leadership in the Gowned Brothers. Given his apparent lifestyle and role in his village from about 1939 to 1945, Lei was incapable of maintaining his responsibilities. Covering up his growing financial and leadership problems, Lei lost his economic freedom when his paddy fields of about seven acres were transferred to another tenant as a result of his failure to pay rent. One might assume that a landlord would not dare enforce the rules against a man as powerful as Lei, but in reality all landholders, despite their status, were subject to the same standards. As Lei's personal economic situation weakened, the financial support he had provided his subordinates diminished, thus causing his political power to wane as well. 9A Family Crisis and a Rural Woman's Fate chapter abstractLei Mingyuan understood that his leadership position in the Gowned Brothers depended on the strength of his reputation. His need to "save face" had driven him to carry out the public execution of his daughter and her presumed lover. This chapter weaves together other stories and details of community life revealing that the women in Lei's family suffered under his tyranny. Lei's economic and political instability drew him into a life of decadence: he began taking opium, further escalating his personal financial crisis. Notoriety resulted for Lei family when their servant girl ran away, further diminishing Lei's reputation and authority. Lei was indifferent to his family's suffering and sought a concubine. Woman Lei resisted, however, and garnered the support from other Gowned Brothers, leading Lei Mingyuan to abort his plan. Eventually, the couple reconciled and the Lei family moved to a shabby house in a neighborhood of coolies. 10Fall of the Paoge chapter abstractThis chapter explores how the Communists established their control in rural China. Knowledge of the transition from the Nationalist regime to the socialist state has centered on major cities, and there has been little understanding of how the CCP extended its power into the countryside. This chapter reveals that the Paoge did not confront the CCP upon its arrival on the Chengdu Plain; rather, the organization quietly watched the situation unfold. When the new regime imposed a grain tax, however, the group led resistance in what the Communist discourse called the "bandit riots." Although the Paoge had many connections with the Communist revolution, the CCP could not tolerate its antiestablishment tradition and was determined to destroy the organization entirely. 11Looking for the Storyteller chapter abstractThis book is primarily concerned with two people: Paoge leader Lei Mingyuan (and his family) and Shen Baoyuan, the storyteller. This chapter provides important, new information on Shen and her 1946 report. Lei and Shen lived in two completely different worlds, with different geographical, educational, social, and economic backgrounds, but they intersected in the summer of 1945. One was investigated and described; the other was the investigator and narrator. Both played a role in retelling an untold, powerful piece of human history. The book is also a three-way narrative: in addition to Lei and Shen, there is the author, who engages the dialogue and attempts to understand the Paoge leader Lei Mingyuan through Shen Baoyuan's perspective. 12Untangling Paoge Myth chapter abstractThis chapter's comprehensive examination of texts and narratives aids the understanding of how the public's perception of the Gowned Brothers was constructed over the centuries. These materials reveal the complex relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and the Paoge. In her report Shen Baoyuan harshly criticized the Paoge in Hope Township, but she found a reason to be hopeful by the fresh ideas presented in Righteous Monthly, a journal published by the organization in Chengdu. At the time, however, Shen did not realize that the journal actually was controlled by the CCP. More than six decades have passed since the Paoge was obliterated. However, during the post-Mao reform the CCP gradually loosened its control, leaving a prime opportunity for the revival of at least some secret societies in China.

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Book SynopsisThe Everyday Nationalism of Workers upends common notions about how European nationalism is lived and experienced by ordinary people—and the bottom-up impact these everyday expressions of nationalism exert on institutionalized nationalism writ large. Drawing on sources from the major urban and working-class centers of Belgium, Maarten Van Ginderachter uncovers the everyday nationalism of the rank and file of the socialist Belgian Workers Party between 1880 and World War I, a period in which Europe experienced the concurrent rise of nationalism and socialism as mass movements. Analyzing sources from—not just about—ordinary workers, Van Ginderachter reveals the limits of nation-building from above and the potential of agency from below. With a rich and diverse base of sources (including workers' "propaganda pence" ads that reveal a Twitter-like transcript of proletarian consciousness), the book shows all the complexity of socialist workers' ambivalent engagement with nationhood, patriotism, ethnicity and language. By comparing the Belgian case with the rise of nationalism across Europe, Van Ginderachter sheds new light on how multilingual societies fared in the age of mass politics and ethnic nationalism.Trade Review"The relationships of workers and the modern labor movement to social categories such as nationality, ethnicity, class, and religion are complex and poorly understood, usually treated separately from everyday experiences. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including a unique set of 'proletarian tweets,' this superb book both illuminates the Belgian case and provides a model for future research."—John Breuilly, London School of Economics"The Everyday Nationalism of Workers challenges the assumption that nationalism was imposed from above in the decades before the First World War. Based in extensive evidence, including the equivalent of 'tweets' from Belgian workers, Maarten Van Ginderachter's vivid examples build a convincing argument that will engage historians and political scientists interested in working-class patriotism."—Janet Polasky, University of New Hampshire"This well-written, innovative, and engaging study pushes us to reorient our understanding not only of language and national identity in Belgium, but also how to go about studying them. Students unfamiliar with Belgian history will have no problem jumping right into this book, for Van Ginderachter concisely introduces and contextualizes all key issues. One could even say that it serves as a kind of primer on modern Belgian history. It will be useful not only to readers interested in Belgian history, but also to those studying nationalism, language, ethnicity, and labor movements in modern European history."—Matthew G. Stanard, Journal of Social History"Van Ginderachter presents in vivid detail personal stories and interactions among different social classes....[This] volume is a valuable contribution to the study of nationalism."—Zeying Wu, Political Science Quarterly"Van Ginderachter gives a penetrating account of the attitudes of Flemish and Walloon workers toward the fragile Belgian national project and toward their respective and increasingly politicized ethnic identities.Showing that nationalism has been instrumental in the democratic critique of power, and not only in the exercise of exclusivist and antidemocratic power, is among this book's significant accomplishments."—Jakub Benes, H-Nationalism"All too often, nationalism studies and labour studies have followed separate paths, making it difficult to explore the way in which ordinary working-class people interpreted nationalist discourses. With this book, Maarten Van Ginderachter makes a significant contribution to counterbalance this trend while helping scholars and the general public to get acquainted with the role that national discourses played in Belgian history."—Lucas Poy, The Low Countries Journal of Social and Economic History"This sociohistorical narrative provides insights of contemporary significance, as it coincides with projects of nationbuilding that seem to be rampant alongside the rise of rightwing populism across the world....The Everyday Nationalism of Workers offers useful reading not only for scholars interested in the intersections of labour, history, and colonialism or methodological innovations but also for practitioners of labour activism."—Asmita Bhutani Vij, Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism"Van Ginderachter provides us with a refreshing look at national identities among the socialist urban working class of a society with several competing narratives of nationhood."—David J. Hensley, Journal of Modern History"[The Everyday Nationalism of Workers] has made a major contribution to the study of nationalism by investigating the complexities of class, religion, and ethnic identity in Belgium before the First World War....Van Ginderachter makes a powerful argument about nationalism as both pervasive and malleable."—Carl Strikwerda, American Historical Review"Martin van Ginderachter's brilliant study entitled The Everyday Nationalism of Workers provides a detailed case study of the Belgian Workers Party (BWP) and its attempt to forge a sense of national identity that appealed to their core constituency, i.e. industrial workers, but that was still capable of differentiating the BWP's vision of nation from that of its bourgeois rivals."—Stefan Berger, Moving the SocialTable of ContentsIntroduction: Workers into Belgians, Flemings and Walloons 1. A Socialist Pillar of a Hyperliberal State 2. Voting the Nation 3. Nationalist Celebrations and Mass Entertainment 4. An Anti-Militaristic State in Militaristic Times 5. The Royal and Colonial Paradox 6. Schooling the Nation 7. Encounters with the Belgian Flag and the National Anthem 8. Proletarian Tweets 9. Language, the Flemish Movement, and the Nation Epilogue: The First World War

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Book SynopsisThe idea of socialism has given normative grounding and orientation to the outrage over capitalism for more than 150 years, and yet today it seems to have lost much of its appeal. Despite growing discontent, many would hesitate to invoke socialism when it comes to envisioning life beyond capitalism. How can we explain the rapid decline of this once powerful idea? And what must we do to renew it for the twenty-first century? In this lucid, political-philosophical essay, Axel Honneth argues that the idea of socialism has lost its luster because its theoretical assumptions stem from the industrial era and are no longer convincing in our contemporary post-industrial societies. Only if we manage to replace these assumptions with a concept of history and society that corresponds to our current experiences will we be able to restore confidence in a project whose fundamental idea remains as relevant today as it was a century ago – the idea of an economy that realizes freedom in solidarity. The Idea of Socialism was awarded the Bruno Kreisky Prize for the Political Book of 2015. Trade Review"Axel Honneth explores the contemporary meaning of the socialist ideal. Drawing on Hegel, Dewey, Marx, and the utopian socialist tradition, Honneth argues – with great power – that socialism is about harmonizing ideals of freedom and solidarity, creating institutions of social freedom that more fully realize the Enlightenment’s normative project. Creating that order will require socialists to think beyond economy and social class, to imagine a form of democratic society animated by an experimental spirit – a society that expands the scope of problem-solving through free communication among equals. I hope this important and illuminating book gets the wide readership it deserves." Joshua Cohen, Stanford University "Axel Honneth makes a lucid and compelling case for renewing the utopian impulse of the early Marx in the context of the present. In this quite remarkable book, Honneth asks why various contemporary forms of discontent do not easily transform into a vision of the future. He returns to the early documents of socialism in order to mark their limits and to formulate a more substantial account of social freedom. The great ambition of this small book is to show that a more robust understanding of social freedom, cooperative life, and ideals of solidarity, can be derived from a reformulated account of the social sphere. In his view, freedom only makes sense on the basis of cooperative orientations. This early ideal can, and must, be renewed in light of the contemporary differentiation of needs, and the contemporary political demands on communication and recognition. Mindful of what remains vibrant in the past and imperative for the future, Honneth deftly shows how the ideal of socialism can orient our thought and action in the contemporary political world." Judith Butler, University of California

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Book SynopsisSocialism has made a dramatic comeback in the 21st century. In the wake of financial crisis, mounting inequality and social decay, it seems more relevant than ever. Nobody who seeks to understand contemporary politics can ignore it. In this book, leading scholar Peter Lamb identifies the key ideas and principles of socialism and explores different (often conflicting) interpretations that have appeared in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, from the early nineteenth century until today. He explores the different ways that socialist thinkers have conceptualised community, equality and liberty and shows how, despite overlap with other traditions, socialists have combined these ideas in common and distinct ways that make the socialist tradition uniquely valuable. Lamb goes on to trace the recent re-emergence of these ideas, and explain what will be required for such a revival to be popular, powerful and sustained. This book will be invaluable to any student or scholar interested in political theory, socialism, communism or political ideologies, as well as to general readers striving to understand contemporary politics throughout the world.Trade Review‘Peter Lamb's Socialism is an excellent overview of how the socialist idea has evolved and been applied in the modern era. Clearly written and thematically organized, the book's global perspective provides general readers as well as specialists with food for thought about socialism's past and its prospects for the future.’William Smaldone, Williamette University ‘Well-researched and accessible, the great strength of this book is the judicious balance it strikes between demonstrating the diversity of the socialist tradition while also insisting on its fundamental coherence. Particularly impressive is the nuanced consideration of associational and democratic strands too often confined to the margins.’Madeleine Davis, Queen Mary, University of LondonTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. Freedom, equality and community 3. The state and economy 4. Political and social change 5. Blueprints for a Socialist Society 6. Conclusion

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Book SynopsisSocialism has made a dramatic comeback in the 21st century. In the wake of financial crisis, mounting inequality and social decay, it seems more relevant than ever. Nobody who seeks to understand contemporary politics can ignore it. In this book, leading scholar Peter Lamb identifies the key ideas and principles of socialism and explores different (often conflicting) interpretations that have appeared in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, from the early nineteenth century until today. He explores the different ways that socialist thinkers have conceptualised community, equality and liberty and shows how, despite overlap with other traditions, socialists have combined these ideas in common and distinct ways that make the socialist tradition uniquely valuable. Lamb goes on to trace the recent re-emergence of these ideas, and explain what will be required for such a revival to be popular, powerful and sustained. This book will be invaluable to any student or scholar interested in political theory, socialism, communism or political ideologies, as well as to general readers striving to understand contemporary politics throughout the world.Trade Review‘Peter Lamb's Socialism is an excellent overview of how the socialist idea has evolved and been applied in the modern era. Clearly written and thematically organized, the book's global perspective provides general readers as well as specialists with food for thought about socialism's past and its prospects for the future.’William Smaldone, Williamette University ‘Well-researched and accessible, the great strength of this book is the judicious balance it strikes between demonstrating the diversity of the socialist tradition while also insisting on its fundamental coherence. Particularly impressive is the nuanced consideration of associational and democratic strands too often confined to the margins.’Madeleine Davis, Queen Mary, University of LondonTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. Freedom, equality and community 3. The state and economy 4. Political and social change 5. Blueprints for a Socialist Society 6. Conclusion

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Book SynopsisIncreasingly age appears to be the key dividing line in contemporary politics. Young people across the globe are embracing left-wing ideas and supporting figures such as Corbyn and Sanders. Where has this ‘Generation Left’ come from? How can it change the world? This compelling book by Keir Milburn traces the story of Generation Left. Emerging in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash, it has now entered the electoral arena and found itself vying for dominance with ageing right-leaning voters and a ‘Third Way’ political elite unable to accept the new realities. By offering a new concept of political generations, Milburn unveils the ideas, attitudes and direction of Generation Left and explains how the age gap can be bridged by reinventing youth and adulthood. This book is essential reading for anyone, young or old, who is interested in addressing the multiple crises of our time.Trade Review‘A brilliant investigation into the causes, and possibilities, of a new era of radicalism. To overcome neoliberalism, mitigate climate change and deal with societal ageing demands another “greatest generation”.’Aaron Bastani, co-founder of Novara Media ‘Keir Milburn demolishes the nonsense usually attached to talk of generations and shows that what looks like a politics of age is rooted in the politics of class. Read this book. Join Generation Left.’Paul Mason, author of Postcapitalism: A Guide to Our Future'Milburn writes with clarity and sympathy'Catholic Herald reviewTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Chapter One: Re: Generations Chapter Two: Generation Left (Behind) Chapter Three: Generation Explosion Chapter Four: The Electoral Turn Chapter Five: Reinventing Adulthood Notes

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Book SynopsisIncreasingly age appears to be the key dividing line in contemporary politics. Young people across the globe are embracing left-wing ideas and supporting figures such as Corbyn and Sanders. Where has this ‘Generation Left’ come from? How can it change the world? This compelling book by Keir Milburn traces the story of Generation Left. Emerging in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash, it has now entered the electoral arena and found itself vying for dominance with ageing right-leaning voters and a ‘Third Way’ political elite unable to accept the new realities. By offering a new concept of political generations, Milburn unveils the ideas, attitudes and direction of Generation Left and explains how the age gap can be bridged by reinventing youth and adulthood. This book is essential reading for anyone, young or old, who is interested in addressing the multiple crises of our time.Trade Review‘A brilliant investigation into the causes, and possibilities, of a new era of radicalism. To overcome neoliberalism, mitigate climate change and deal with societal ageing demands another “greatest generation”.’Aaron Bastani, co-founder of Novara Media ‘Keir Milburn demolishes the nonsense usually attached to talk of generations and shows that what looks like a politics of age is rooted in the politics of class. Read this book. Join Generation Left.’Paul Mason, author of Postcapitalism: A Guide to Our Future 'Milburn writes with clarity and sympathy'Catholic Herald review Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Chapter One: Re: Generations Chapter Two: Generation Left (Behind) Chapter Three: Generation Explosion Chapter Four: The Electoral Turn Chapter Five: Reinventing Adulthood Notes

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Book SynopsisWhat is happening to the Left? It seems to be dying a slow death. While many commentators have predicted its demise, the Left has always defied these bleak prognoses and risen from the ashes in the most unexpected ways. Nevertheless, we are witnessing today a global decline in organized movements on the Left, and while social struggles continue to challenge dominant political regimes, these efforts do not translate into support for traditional left parties or into the creation of dynamic movements on the Left. Bestselling historian Shlomo Sand argues that the global decline of the Left is linked to the waning of the idea of equality that has united citizens in the past and inspired them to engage in collective action. Sand retraces the evolution of this idea in a wide-ranging account that includes the Diggers and Levellers of seventeenth-century England; the French Revolution; the birth of anarchism and Marxism; the decolonial, feminist, and civil rights revolts; and the left-wing populism of our time. In piecing together the thinkers and movements that built the Left over centuries, Sand illuminates the global and transnational dynamics which pushed them forward. He outlines how they shaped the notion of equality, while also analysing how they were confronted by its material reality, and the lessons that they did – or did not – draw from this. This concise and magisterial history of the Left will appeal to anyone interested in the idea of equality and the fate of one of the most important movements that has shaped the modern world.Trade Review‘This absorbing and thought-provoking book is the richest and most varied account available of the fate of the idea of equality. It will be of great value to anyone interested in one of the core political ideas of the modern world and in the political movements – from the Levellers to the contemporary Left – that have championed it.’Colin Crouch, University of Warwick ‘A fascinating and very thought-provoking book’Nick CohenTable of ContentsIntroduction: Equality as the Great Modern Myth 1. From the Levellers to the Enigma of Rousseau 2. The Revolution, the Terror and the Conspiracy of Equals 3. Utopia as Refuge, from Politics to Chartism 4. Springtime of the Peoples: Paris, Capital of the Nineteenth Century 5. Proudhon, Bakunin and Anarchism as Freedom 6. Marx, Engels and ‘Scientific’ Socialism 7. The Fourth Estate, Between Liberalism and Democracy 8. Confronting Colonialism: The White Socialist’s Burden 9. Nation and Internationalism: Dying for Your Country 10. Lenin and the State: Next to the Spinning Wheel and the Bronze Axe 11. Blackshirts and Brownshirts: Right or Left? 12. Mao and Chinese Communism: ‘A Hundred Flowers’? 13. The Socialist Imaginary in Postcolonial Countries 14. The Welfare State, a Working-Class Triumph? 15. Latin America and Opposition to the ‘Big Stick’ 16. From the Civil Rights Movement to the May ’67 Uprising 17. The Struggle for Gender Equality: The Feminine Mystique 18. The Rust-Belt Proletariat and the Return of Populism 19. Consumption and Ecology: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie A Melancholy Conclusion: Inequality and the Pandemic

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Book SynopsisA philosophical consideration of Soviet Socialism that reveals the hidden desire for capitalism in contemporary anticapitalist discourse and theory This book, a philosophical consideration of Soviet socialism, is not meant simply to revisit the communist past; its aim, rather, is to witness certain zones where capitalism’s domination is resisted—the zones of countercapitalist critique, civil society agencies, and theoretical provisions of emancipation or progress—and to inquire to what extent those zones are in fact permeated by unconscious capitalism and thus unwittingly affirm the capitalist condition. By means of the philosophical and politico-economical consideration of Soviet socialism of the 1960 and 1970s, this book manages to reveal the hidden desire for capitalism in contemporaneous anticapitalist discourse and theory. The research is marked by a broad cross-disciplinary approach based on political economy, philosophy, art theory, and cultural theory that redefines old Cold War and Slavic studies’ views of the post-Stalinist years, as well as challenges the interpretations of this period of historical socialism in Western Marxist thought.Trade Review"This ambitious work proposes to reveal how anti-capitalist critique and institutions of civil society ‘are in fact permeated by an unconscious form of capitalism and thus unwittingly affirm the capitalist condition.’"—The Russian Review "A stimulating introduction into Soviet Marxism and a persuasive critique of contemporary anti-capitalism’s thirst for acceleration, atomization, and alienation... Practicing the Good is an invaluable read for anyone interested in how Soviet Marxism of the 1960-70s can re-evaluate our view on contemporary capitalism."—Marx & Philosophy"It is to be counted as one of the most important publications for leftist self-criticism in recent years. "—Radical Philosophy

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Book SynopsisIn a time of great gloom and doom internationally and of major global problems, this book offers an invaluable contribution to our understanding of alternative societies that could be better for humans and the environment. Bringing together a wide range of approaches and new strands of economic and social thinking from across the US, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, Luke Martell critically assesses contemporary alternatives and shows the ways forward with a convincing argument of pluralist socialism. Presenting a much-needed introduction to the debate on alternatives to capitalism, this ambitious book is not about how things are but how they can be!Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Alternative Economies 2. Social Alternatives 3. Utopianism and its Critics 4. Socialism and its Critics 5. The Democratic Economy 6. Alternative Globalization Conclusion

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Book SynopsisDavid Lowenthal transposes present society onto that in the novel, 1984, and illustrates “how the quest for a perfect society led instead to the worst––in the course of revolting against which the true ends of life are established.” It is more than suspicion: the year 2021 is 1984. What many understand by instinct, Lowenthal here articulates in clear terms using the political prophesy of this no longer futuristic literature. To be one without truthful unity? This is the picture of human brotherhood ushering in the only thing worse than inequality––enslavement. There is no positive political message in 1984, argues Lowenthal, but there is positive moral message that is nearly always overlooked by commentators. “Through the movement of the novel, Orwell tries to impress on the passions, hearts and minds of his readers the most valuable lessons concerning the right and wrong way to live. With the decline of Christianity’s influence in forming the moral sense of the West and the concomitant increase in power hunger, wielding instruments born of modern enlightenment, what mankind most needed was moral guidance, conveyed not abstractly, through philosophy, but in such a way as to grip the whole soul.” But can Orwell be trusted as a guide to the goodness in human nature? Lowenthal says he can be, and more. He gives us a sketch of the intellectual process that compels Orwell to ultimately outgrow Marxism, his detection and rejection of totalitarian regimes (above all in Communism), and in what way the principles of liberalism of his day were given warning labels by a writer who was not a formally educated political philosopher. Laced with relativism, any current of thought that does not acknowledge the proper ends of man will be effaced by the next master of the masses. Lowenthal echoes Orwell when he says, “we have abandoned inculcating good citizenship, higher ideals and a sense of personal worth in the schools, encouraging instead an aimless low-level conformist ‘individuality’ just waiting to be harnessed together and directed. Given these conditions, can we be sure we have left the conditions to the horrors of 1984 far behind as mere fiction?” Orwell and Lowenthal are unlikely co-collaborators, unless one perceives how much alike in their exhortations to fellow man they are. The steady tenor of their hard warning is made possible by a hope-soaked confidence that, in utter sobriety, is repulsed by anything that threatens human freedom and dignity. This book is required reading for anyone who believes in the return of socialism. Indeed, any recent university graduate should be debriefed by Lowenthal before entering the real world.

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Book SynopsisLearning with Lenin brings together, for the first time, Lenin’s classic texts and his speeches and writings on education. To facilitate educators and activists’ engagement with these works, a study and discussion guide accompanies each text. Learning with Lenin contributes to the rematerialization of a revolutionary movement in the U.S. by focusing on the pedagogy of Lenin. After a series of setbacks and attacks that seriously degraded its status in both working-class struggles and educational theory, socialism is once again on the rise. Like the generations before them, organizers, activists, and educators are once again turning to classic works of socialism to understand and respond to the systematic depravities of imperialism, white supremacy, and settler-colonialism. Learning with Lenin will assist anyone interested in reading and applying Lenin’s theories to our current era, with all of its complexities and contradictions.

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Book SynopsisLearning with Lenin brings together, for the first time, Lenin’s classic texts and his speeches and writings on education. To facilitate educators and activists’ engagement with these works, a study and discussion guide accompanies each text. Learning with Lenin contributes to the rematerialization of a revolutionary movement in the U.S. by focusing on the pedagogy of Lenin. After a series of setbacks and attacks that seriously degraded its status in both working-class struggles and educational theory, socialism is once again on the rise. Like the generations before them, organizers, activists, and educators are once again turning to classic works of socialism to understand and respond to the systematic depravities of imperialism, white supremacy, and settler-colonialism. Learning with Lenin will assist anyone interested in reading and applying Lenin’s theories to our current era, with all of its complexities and contradictions.

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Book SynopsisWhat an impressively successful venture! The authors are experts, who offer here authoritative, research-based, brand-new findings, excellent coverage of extant literature, new ideas and novel interpretations, analyses of controversies concerning their topics, and fascinating case studies. While specialists absolutely need to consult every chapter, its clarity and comprehensibility - plus its provision of definitions and distinctions - mean it is pitched such that even the totally uninitiated can absorb its information. Overall, a most superb collection, going well beyond what one would imagine a 'handbook' might hold.'- Dorothy J. Solinger, University of California, Irvine, USThe Handbook of the Politics of China is a comprehensive resource introducing readers to the very latest in research on Chinese politics. David Goodman provides an introduction to the key structures and issues, providing the foundations on which later learning can be built. Including a comprehensive bibliography, it is an ideal reference work for undergraduate and postgraduate students and academics.The Handbook contains four sections of new and original research, dealing with leadership and institutions, public policy, political economy and social change, and international relations. Each of the 26 chapters has been written by a leading internationally-established authority in the field and each reviews the literature on the topic, and presents the latest findings of research.Presenting the state of the art of the field, this reader-oriented Handbook is an essential primer for the study of China's politics.Contributors include: S. Breslin, K. Brown, A. Camarena, C. Cartier, M. Chen, J. A.Donaldson, J. Dosch, J. Duckett, B. Gill, D.S.G. Goodman, Y. Guo, W. Guohui, J.Y.J. Hsu, D. Hu, Y. Ji, K. Kojima, F. Li, L.C. Li, W.J. Morgan, B. Naughton, J.C. Oi, L.H. Ong, J. Reilly, S. Suzuki, F.C. Teiwes, G. Wang, Z. Wang, X.Yan, D.L.Yang, X. Zang, Y. ZhengTrade Review‘ . . . Handbook of the Politics of China provides a thorough survey of various aspects of Chinese politics, which scholars and students alike will find very useful.’ -- Zhiqun Zhu, Ph.D., International Social Science Review‘What an impressively successful venture! The authors are experts, who offer here authoritative, research-based, brand-new findings, excellent coverage of extant literature, new ideas and novel interpretations, analyses of controversies concerning their topics, and fascinating case studies. While specialists absolutely need to consult every chapter, its clarity and comprehensibility – plus its provision of definitions and distinctions – mean it is pitched such that even the totally uninitiated can absorb its information. Overall, a most superb collection, going well beyond what one would imagine a “handbook” might hold.’ -- Dorothy J. Solinger, University of California, Irvine, USTable of ContentsContents: The Study of Contemporary Chinese Politics: A Reader’s Guide David S.G. Goodman PART I LEADERSHIP, INSTITUTIONS AND STRUCTURES 1. The Study of Elite Political Conflict in the PRC: Politics inside the ‘Black Box’ Frederick C. Teiwes 2. Ideology of the Chinese Communist Party Kazuko Kojima 3. The Chinese Communist Party: An Institutional Perspective Zheng Yongnian and Chen Gang 4. The Central Government Yan Xu and Dali L. Yang 5. Provincial Politics Bo Zhiyue 6. Local Governance: The Roles of the People’s Congresses and the People’s Political Consultative Conferences Minglu Chen 7. Post-Deng Transformation of the People’s Liberation Army: Changes, Continuities and Consequences You Ji PART II PUBLIC POLICY 8. Managing Government Finance Linda Chelan Li 9. Administrative Territory Carolyn Cartier and Hu De 10. Economic Policy Barry Naughton 11. Regional Development Policy and Regional Inequality John A. Donaldson 12. China’s Nationality Policy from the Perspective of International Minority Rights Xiaowei Zang 13. Education: From Egalitarian Ideology to Public Policy W. John Morgan and Fengliang Li 14. Welfare and Social Security Wang Guohui and Jane Duckett PART III POLITICAL ECONOMY AND SOCIAL CHANGE 15. Corruption and Anti-corruption Dali Yang and Yan Xu 16. The Class Politics of the Chinese Communist Party Yingjie Guo 17. From Xianglin’s Wife to the Iron Girls: The Politics of Gender Representation Wang Zheng 18. Rural Development Jean C. Oi 19. Non-governmental Organizations Jennifer Y.J. Hsu 20. Reports of Social Unrest: Basic characteristics, Trends and Patterns, 2003-12 Lynette H. Ong PART IV INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 21. China on the World Stage Shaun Breslin 22. Economic Statecraft James Reilly 23. East Asia Shogo Suzuki 24. Admiration, Ambivalence, Antipathy: The Past and Future for US-China Relations Bates Gill 25. Southeast Asia Alberto Camarena and Jörn Dosch 26. China and the European Union Kerry Brown Index

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Book SynopsisThis socialist history of modern Greece tells the story of its rebirth in struggle, the heroic resistance to Nazi occupation, the civil war and its aftermath, the colonels' dictatorship and its overthrow, the rise and fall of PASOK, the debt crisis, the popular uprising of 2010-12, the election of SYRIZA, the referendum and the subsequent capitulation. What lessons can Greece's experience teach those campaigning against austerity throughout Europe? This book includes an Appendix by Eric Toussaint.

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Book SynopsisDr. Juan Negrín López (1892-1956) was a man of immense talent, energy, and socialist convictions who served the Spanish people in different capacities: as a physiologist of international reputation and as chairman of the medical faculty of the Complutense University in Madrid during the 1920s; as an active member of the Parliamentary wing of the Socialist Party, 1931-1936; during the Civil War as Minister of Finance in the Popular Front government led by Francisco Largo Caballero (September 1936-May 1937); and as Prime Minister from late May until March 1939. In all these roles he was highly competent: improving the laboratories and experimental methods in physiology, obtaining scholarships for students, suggesting subjects for doctoral theses, encouraging his students to learn foreign languages and read scientific literature in the original, and also to think of public health as a national, public responsibility. As Minister of Finance he conceived of Spain's relatively large gold reserve as the only means by which the Republic could buy the quality of modern arms that were being supplied to General Franco by Hitler and Mussolini. In European politics of the mid-1930s he understood much better than did the English, French, and United States political classes that Nazism and Fascism were a much greater threat to European democracy than was Soviet Communism. But the appeasement policy culminating in the Munich Pact of September 29, 1938 sealed the fate of the Spanish Republic as well as that of the Republic of Czechoslovakia. From 1940 onward Negrín was reviled in Franco Spain for having supposedly delivered the Republic into the hands of the Communists; many republican and socialist exiles also rejected him for continuing his Numantian policy of resistance when, after Munich, the military possibilities of the Republic were truly hopeless. Gabriel Jackson sets out to understand the moral and political thinking of Dr. Negrín of those who supported him to the end and of those who felt that the last months of the war merely prolonged the suffering of the population. Published in association with the Canada Blanch Centre for Contemporary Spanish Studies.

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Book SynopsisThe Atlantic Ocean not only connected North and South America with Europe through trade but also provided the means for an exchange of knowledge and ideas, including political radicalism. Socialists and anarchists would use this “radical ocean” to escape state prosecution in their home countries and establish radical milieus abroad. However, this was often a rather unorganized development and therefore the connections that existed were quite diverse. The movement of individuals led to the establishment of organizational ties and the import and exchange of political publications between Europe and the Americas. The main aim of this book is to show how the transatlantic networks of political radicalism evolved with regard to socialist and anarchist milieus and in particular to look at the actors within the relevant processes—topics that have so far been neglected in the major histories of transnational political radicalism of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Individual case studies are examined within a wider context to show how networks were actually created, how they functioned and their impact on the broader history of the radical Atlantic.Trade Review‘Transatlantic Radicalism is empirically rich and serves as a welcome addition to the growing literature on migration, exile and transnationalism.’ Jessica Thorn, Labour History ReviewTable of Contents1. Transatlantic Radicalism: A Short Introduction. Frank Jacob and Mario KeßlerSECTION I: Organizational Ties and Radical Press Networks2. An Entangled World at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century: Russian Socialist Revolu-tionary Terrorism, Transatlantic Public Sphere and American Capital. Lutz Häfner3. The Italian Anarchists’ Network in São Paulo at the Beginning of the 20th Century. Carlo Romani and Bruno Corrêa de Sá e Benevides4. The Panama Papers: Anarchist Press Networks between Spain and the Canal Zone in the Early Twentieth Century. James Michael Yeoman5. Man! and the International Group: Anti-Radicalism, Immigrant Solidarity, and Depression-Era Transnational Anarchism. Hillary LazarSECTION II: Individual Perspectives6. Global Master Workman: Terence Powderly (1849-1924), Transatlantic Radicalism and the Global History of the Knights of Labor, 1880-1900. Steven Parfitt7. Transatlantic Workers’ Solidarity: The Kuzbas Autonomous Industrial Colony (1920-1926). Frank Jacob8. “Alles z’Unterobsi”: Hannes Meyer and German Communist Exiles in Mexico. Georg Leidenberger9. Damned to Do Nothing: The Transnational Network of Rosi Wolfstein and Paul Frölich in American Exile (1941-1950). Riccardo Altieri10. Ossip K. Flechtheim (1909-1998): Political Scientist and Futurologist between Europe and North America. Mario Keßler11. Conclusive Remarks. Frank JacobNotes on ContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisThis insightful book sheds light on three competing ideological windows on the world: conservatism, liberalism and socialism. David Reisman explores the importance of these perspectives not only to generating public policy, but also in our capacity to explain the very nature of reality.Surveying the diversity of beliefs that govern and guide contemporary society, Reisman illustrates the pre-eminence of three all-encompassing meta-ideologies that capture heterogenous philosophies. The book traces the history of these meta-ideologies through key figures and moments in their development, illuminating the paradox at the heart of political beings: the conceptual wedding of independence and integration. Refusing a partisan perspective, Reisman argues in favour of a tolerant vision of society that promotes understanding as an avenue by which to achieve the peaceable coexistence of plurality and diversity. Offering a clear, intellectual and unbiased presentation of contemporary political philosophy, this book is crucial reading for researchers and students of social and political thought, particularly those focusing on ideology and the history of philosophy. Table of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction 2. The common mind 3. Conservatism 4. Rousseau: the general will 5. Burke: the chain of being 6. The whole and the part 7. The liberal way 8. Being free 9. Self and state: Hobbes 10. Nature and law: Locke 11. Hobbes and Locke: politics and economics 12. Liberalism gone wrong 13. Socialism 14. The socialist future 15. The end of ideology Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating survey ranges from the communal buildings of the early 19th-century political radicals, Owenites and Chartists, through Arts and Crafts influenced socialist structures of the late Victorian and Edwardian period to the grand union `castles’ of the mid twentieth century. There are also chapters on the ubiquitous co-operative architecture, long forgotten socialist holiday camps, and those memorials associated with the hidden story of radical ex-servicemen and their remembrance of war dead. The countryside is also not forgotten with rural labour buildings, as well as the clubhouses of idealistic socialist cyclists. The book though is not just about bricks and mortar but uncovers the social history of the men and women who worked so hard locally to achieve their goals. Though many buildings have been lost over the years, the book outlines the recent struggle for their preservation and details many which can still be visited. Trade Review'well-written and beautifully illustrated'... little has so far been written directly about the subject, and for this reason alone this book is very welcome. -- Cynthia Brown * Family & Community History, Vol 17/1 *Buildings of the Labour Movement has a plethora of excellent photos, and some equally interesting written snapshots to support them. ... One thing is certain; this book provides both a visual treat and some equally important historical nuggets. Its insights are informative and form an important addition to the history of the Labour Movement. -- Dave Putson * Problems of NATO edited by Tony Simpson, The Spokesman, 124 *... a much needed and very welcome addition to the literature of the labour movement. Whilst the book is essential for its wonderful and evocative collection of photographs, it is much more than a picture book ... ... This book is a delight to browse through as well as to read, and Mansfield is to be congratulated in writing it and English Heritage for publishing such an important text. -- Eddie Cass * Manchester Region History Review *Nick Mansfield's book is a welcome and important development in the study of the built environment used by the people of the labour and radical movements. With the publication of this significant volume it is hoped a neglected area of research and publication will receive much wider attention. Highly recommended. -- Bob Hayes * North West Labour History Journal *Yet, thankfully, Mansfield's new book captures the remarkable history of those lost buildings and, in so doing, opens up a series of characteristically learned and sympathetic insights into the history of socialism. As the former director of The Peoples' History Museum and one of Britain's finest social historians, Mansfield is a superb guide to this otherwise abandoned field of architectural and labour history. -- Tristram Hunt * Transactions of the Ancient Monuments Society, Volume 59 (2015) *Table of ContentsForeword by Tony Benn Preface Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. Trade Societies 3. Nonconformity 4. Radicalism 5. Owenism 6. Chartism 7. Co-operation 8. Trade Unions 9. Mechanics Institutes and Education 10. Socialism 11. The Clarion movement 12. The Labour Party 13. The rural labour movement 14. Ex-servicemen and the commemoration of war 15. Holidays and leisure 16. Buildings associated with key events 17. Decline and demolition 18. Preservation and interpretation 19. Sites to visit

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Book SynopsisThis highly topical book presents a new theory on the characteristics of entrepreneurial knowledge. It explores the recent shift among professional economists and scholars in their evaluation of the debate of socialism. Socialism, Economic Calculation and Entrepreneurship presents an application of Israel M. Kirzner’s theory of entrepreneurship to the theory of the impossibility of socialism. It discusses the influence of the fall of socialism, with particular reference to the evolution of economic thought. With innovative and timely discussions, this book will appeal to students and academics in the fields of economic systems, the economic analysis of socialism and the history of economic thought. This important resource will also be greatly received by all scholars and students interested in Austrian economics.Trade Review'A leading scholar in the tradition of the Austrian School of Economics, Professor Jesús Huerta de Soto presents a powerful analysis of socialism in a book dedicated to Ludwig von Mises, who underlined the theoretical failures of socialism and opened the famous economic calculation debate of the 1920s and 1930s. Then, as now, economic crises were widely attributed to freedom, business and markets. Then, as now, it was necessary to indicate the interventionist origins of trade cycles, the negative effects of economic policies, the crucial positive force of entrepreneurship, and the intellectual errors and terrible practical consequences of the enemies of liberty. Huerta de Soto's is, accordingly, a very timely book.'Table of ContentsContents: Foreword by Peter J. Boettke 1. Introduction 2. Entrepreneurship 3. Socialism 4. Ludwig von Mises and the Start of the Debate on Economic Calculation 5. The Unjustified Shift in the Debate Toward Statics: The Arguments of Formal Similarity and the So-called ‘Mathematical Solution’ 6. Oskar Lange and the ‘Competitive Solution’ 7. Final Considerations Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis highly topical book presents a new theory on the characteristics of entrepreneurial knowledge. It explores the recent shift among professional economists and scholars in their evaluation of the debate of socialism. Socialism, Economic Calculation and Entrepreneurship presents an application of Israel M. Kirzner’s theory of entrepreneurship to the theory of the impossibility of socialism. It discusses the influence of the fall of socialism, with particular reference to the evolution of economic thought. With innovative and timely discussions, this book will appeal to students and academics in the fields of economic systems, the economic analysis of socialism and the history of economic thought. This important resource will also be greatly received by all scholars and students interested in Austrian economics.Trade Review'A leading scholar in the tradition of the Austrian School of Economics, Professor Jesús Huerta de Soto presents a powerful analysis of socialism in a book dedicated to Ludwig von Mises, who underlined the theoretical failures of socialism and opened the famous economic calculation debate of the 1920s and 1930s. Then, as now, economic crises were widely attributed to freedom, business and markets. Then, as now, it was necessary to indicate the interventionist origins of trade cycles, the negative effects of economic policies, the crucial positive force of entrepreneurship, and the intellectual errors and terrible practical consequences of the enemies of liberty. Huerta de Soto's is, accordingly, a very timely book.'Table of ContentsContents: Foreword by Peter J. Boettke 1. Introduction 2. Entrepreneurship 3. Socialism 4. Ludwig von Mises and the Start of the Debate on Economic Calculation 5. The Unjustified Shift in the Debate Toward Statics: The Arguments of Formal Similarity and the So-called ‘Mathematical Solution’ 6. Oskar Lange and the ‘Competitive Solution’ 7. Final Considerations Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisSocialist Economies in Transition provides a coherent critique of economic reform in Eastern Europe which, it is argued, will create not prosperity but high levels of unemployment and severe economic dislocation. The authors show how the application of neoclassical economic theory will, in reality, prove unsuccessful and explain why, despite the revolutionary upheavals of 1989 and the immense effort to discard the restraints of planning, the intuitive mechanisms and practices of the free market have been so slow to appear.This volume offers an alternative route to economic reform, based on post Keynesian and Kaleckian traditions that combine individual diversity with control over the key sectors of the economy to maintain an acceptable level of stability and growth.This exciting and provocative book will be essential reading for all those concerned with the political economy of Eastern Europe.Trade Review'This excellent collection of articles serves as an argument for caution in interpreting where the formerly socialist economics are going. . . or why they began their transition to whatever in the late 1980s. . . This book provides a valuable collection of essays coherently addressed to this important historical moment and process. . . Social economists should be particularly interested in this book's descriptions of, and central concern with, the social costs of these historical transformations. The essays are uniformly well written and easily accessible to an undergraduate student.' -- Christopher J. Niggle, Review of Social EconomyTable of ContentsBehind the crisis in centrally planned economies, Christine Rider and Mark Knell; justifying the need for reform - the price-theoretic approach, Christine Rider; transitions from centrally planned to market economies, Christian Gehrke and Mark Knell; Michal Kalecki and early attempts to reform the Polish economy, Tadeusz Kowalik; effective demand and the transformation of socialist economies, Edward Nell; from a command toward a market economy - the Polish experience, Kazimierz Laski; the market transformation of state enterprises, Branko Horvat; failure of monetary restriction in Hungary and Yugoslavia - a post Keynesian interpretation, Shirley J. Gedeon; state monopolies and marketization in Poland, Helena Sinoracka; whatever happened to the East German economy, Heinz D. Kurz; lessons from China on a strategy for the socialist economies in transition, Mark Knell and Wenyan Yang; conclusion - implications for socialist economies in transition, Mark Knell and Christine Rider.

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Book SynopsisThis major reference book has been designed to provide a comprehensive coverage of radical political economy. International in scope, The Elgar Companion to Radical Political Economy includes contributions from a very wide range of specialists who discuss topics, ideas and theories in the field. Radical political economy is a term used to encompass a range of different schools of thought. These include post Keynesian, Kaleckian, Marxian, Institutionalist, Sraffian and other approaches to economics which share the common theme of production, rather than the exchange focus of neoclassical and Austrian economics. Their concern with the generation and use of the surplus leads them to an interest in dynamics, income distribution, growth and development, and capital accumulation. With over 100 entries, the companion provides detailed information on a wide range of aspects of radical political economy as well as some important insights into its theoretical underpinning. A special feature of the book is its emphasis upon explaining the positive elements in radical political economy. As the first book of its kind devoted to radical political economy, the companion will be an essential reference source for scholars and students with an interest in the development of economic ideas.Trade Review’These valuable contributions will be very useful to students and nonspecialists wanting a clear introduction to specific topics or a convenient volume to browse to get a feel for a broader area of study. A welcome addition to any library.’

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Book SynopsisFoundations of Analytical Marxism compiles important articles representing the school of analytical Marxism. This school of thought was inaugurated by the publication of G.A. Cohen's Karl Marx's Theory of History in 1978. Since then scholars in political philosophy, economics, sociology, political science, history and anthropology have contributed to it. This two volume set has been divided into seven parts: Class, Exploitation, Power and Domination, Historical Materialism, The State, Market Socialism, Freedom and Methodology.Table of ContentsCONTENTS VOLUME 1 PART 1 CLASS 1. John E. Roemer (1982), ‘New Directions in the Marxian Theory of Exploitation and Class’ 2. Pranab Bardhan (1982), ‘Agrarian Class Formation in India’ 3. Mukesh Eswaran and Ashok Kotwal (1989), ‘Credit and Agrarian Class Structure’ 4. Maite Cabeza-Gutés ‘Class Structure and Choice of Technology in an Agrarian Economy’ 5. Erik Olin Wright (1984), ‘A General Framework for the Analysis of Class Structure’ 6. Philippe Van Parijs (1986-1987), ‘A Revolution in Class Theory’ PART 2 EXPLOITATION, POWER AND DOMINATION 7. G. A. Cohen (1979), ‘The Labor Theory of Value and the Concept of Exploitation’ 8. John E. Roemer (1982), ‘Property Relations vs. Surplus Value in Marxian Exploitation’ 9. John E. Roemer (1985), ‘Should Marxists Be Interested in Exploitation?’ 10. Jeffrey Reiman (1987), ‘Exploitation, Force and the Moral Assessment of Capitalism: Thoughts on Roemer and Cohen’ 11. John E. Roemer (1989), ‘What is Exploitation? Reply to Jeffrey Reiman’ 12. G. A. Cohen (1990), ‘Marxism and Contemporary Political Philosophy, or: Why Nozick Exercises some Marxists more than he does any Egalitarian Liberals’ 13. Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis (1990), ‘Contested Exchange: New Microfoundations for the Political Economy of Capitalism’ VOLUME 2 PART 1 HISTORICAL MATERIALISM 1. G. A .Cohen (1986), ‘Forces and Relations of Production’ 2. Joshua Cohen (1982), ‘Book Review of Karl Marx’s Theory of History: by G A Cohen’ 3. Robert Brenner (1986), ‘The Social Basis of Economic Development’ 4. G. A. Cohen (1988), ‘Reconsidering Historical Materialism’ PART 2 THE STATE 5. Fred Block (1977), ‘The Ruling Class does not Rule: Notes on the Marxist Theory of the State’ 6. Adam Przeworski and Michael Wallerstein (1988), ‘Structural Dependence of the State on Capital’ PART 3 MARKET SOCIALISM 7. Pranab Bardhan and John E. Roemer (1992), ‘Market Socialism: A Case for Rejuvenation’ 8. John E. Roemer (1992), ‘Can There Be Socialism after Communism?’ 9. Thomas E. Weisskopf (1993), ‘A Democratic-Enterprise-Based Market Socialism’ PART 4 FREEDOM 10. G. A. Cohen (1991), ‘Capitalism, Freedom and the Proletariat’ 11. Jon Elster (1986), ‘Self-Realization in Work and Politics: The Marxist Conception of the Good Life’ 12. Philippe Van Parijs (1989), ‘In Defence of Abundance’ 13. Erik Olin Wright (1993), ‘Explanation and Emancipation in Marxism and Feminism’ PART 5 METHODOLOGY 14. Jon Elster (1989), ‘Marxism and Individualism’ 15. Jon Elster (1982), ‘Marxism, Functionalism and Game Theory: The Case for Methodological Individualism’ 16. G. A. Cohen (1986), ‘Marxism and Functional Explanation’ 17. John E .Roemer (1989), ‘Marxism and Contemporary Social Science’ 18. Alan Carling (1986), ‘Rational Choice Marxism’

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Book SynopsisTransforming Socialist Economies presents - for the first time - an account of the initial attempts to transform the centrally planned economies of Czechoslovakia and Poland into modern capitalist economies.Both countries have adopted 'shock therapy' aimed at the fastest possible transition but with disappointing results. Poland appears to be on the brink of permanent depression and political paralysis. Czechoslovakia is only now beginning to show the first signs of economic recovery and faces the prospect of partition. In seeking to explain these disappointing results, Dr Myant critically analyses recent economic performance and past attempts at economic reform. He shows the weaknesses in the theory behind 'shock therapy', considers the political processes that led to its adoption and analyses its impact on the economy, on relations in the workplace and on political life. The result is a provocative and enlightening view of economic reform which will be essential reading for economists and political scientists.Trade Review'Transforming socialist economies is an interesting and well underlined study.' -- Polish Connection Newsletter'The book makes an interesting contribution to the present knowledge of recent changes in Central Europe.' -- Erika Kvapilova, Economic and Industrial Democracy'This series is an important series which applies academic analysis and clarity of thought to the recent traumatic events in Eastern and Central Europe. . . . The result is a provocative and enlightening view of economic reform which will be interesting reading for economists, political scientists and those concerned with the economic transition of Eastern Europe.' -- European Foundation for Management Development'. . . the book will be useful for the study of the early years of economic transformation in Poland and, before its breakup, Czechoslovakia. On top of that, it will be useful for the eventual formulation of a theory of economic transformation in post-Communist societies.' -- J.L Porket, The Slavonic ReviewTable of ContentsPart 1 Reforming the socialist economy: the failure of planning; the limits of reform. Part 2 Economic transformation in Poland: the legacy of the 1980's; the balcerowicz programme; the economy under balcerowicz; the search for alternatives. Part 3 Economic transformation in Czechoslovakia: the paralysis of reform; the triumph of monetarism; the big shock; the battle for new policies; the rush to privatise. Part 4 Conclusion: successes and disappointments.

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Book SynopsisWhat is the best way to organize an economy to satisfy demands for efficiency, compassion and freedom? These political, economic, social and philosophical concerns underpin what has been the most important issue of the twentieth-century, that of the relationship between market and plan. Markets and Socialism consists of extracts drawn from the most important contributors to the debate started by Karl Marx. In six thematic sections the reader can follow the vicissitudes of the non-market, market and mixed market models. The range of countries and historical sweep covered in this volume are impressive: from the 'socialist calculation' debate to the experiences of Russia, East-Central Europe, Sweden, America and China. A combination of theoretical analyses and practical case studies makes this volume essential reading for teachers, students and anyone interested in a clear and concise introduction to the central dilemma of our times.Trade Review'. . . this book will be a valuable compendium for student of the subject.' -- Ajit Singh, Economic JournalTable of ContentsPART I ECONOMICS WITHOUT MARKETS: FROM MARX TO CONTEMPORARY MARXISTS 1. Karl Marx (1954), Capital: A Critique of Political Economy 2. Karl Marx (1954), ‘Historical Tendency of Capitalist Accumulation’ 3. Karl Marx (1975), ‘Comments on James Mill’s, Élémens d’économie politique’, Karl Marx and Engels: 1843-44’ 4. Frederick Engels (1987), ‘Anti-Dühring: Production’ 5. N. Bukharin and E.Preobrazhensky (1970), ‘The ABC of Communism’ 6. Hillel Ticktin (1992), ‘Origins of the Crisis in the USSR: Essays on the Political Economy of a Disintegrating System’ PART II ECONOMICS WITHOUT MARKETS: CRITIQUES 7. Boris Brutzkus (1934), ‘The Unitary Plan of the Socialist Economy’ 8. L.N. Yurovsky (1934), ‘Problems of a Moneyless Economy’ 9. Oskar Lange and Fred M. Taylor (1938), ‘On the Economic Theory of Socialism’ 10. Friedrich A. Hayek (1949), ‘Socialist Calculation III: The Competitive “Solution”” PART III FROM CENTRAL PLANNING TO THE MIXED ECONOMY 11. Leon Trotsky (1973), ‘The Soviet Economy in Danger’ 12. R.W.Davies (1984), ‘The Socialist Market: A Debate in Soviet Industry, 1932-33’ 13. Gabriel Temkin (1989), ‘On Economic Reforms in Socialist Countries: The Debate on Economic Calculation Under Socialism Revisited’ 14. Wlodzimierz Brus (1973), ‘Commodity Fetishism and Socialism’ 15. Radoslav Selucky (1974), ‘Marxism and Self-Management’ 16. János Kornai (1986), ‘ Efficiency and the Principles of Socialist Ethics’ 17. Zhou Shulian (1982), ‘The Market Mechanism in a Planned Economy’ 18. Branko Horvat (1990), ‘Socialism as a Socio-Economic System’ PART IV MARKETS AND SOCIALISM IN THE WEST 19. Lawrence Wilde, ‘The Demise of the Swedish Model’ 20. Leland G. Stauber (1987), ‘Capitalism and Socialism: Some General Issues and the Relevance of the Austrian Experience’ 21. Raymond Plant (1989), ‘Socialism, Markets, and End States’ 22. Alex Nove (1972), ‘“Market Socialism” and its Critics’ PART V FROM EXISTING SOCIALISM TO THE MARKET 23. János Kornai (1990), ‘The Road to a Free Economy: Shifting from a Socialist System: The Example of Hungary’ 24. V.A. Naishul (1991), ‘The Supreme and Last Stage of Socialism’ 25. Wlodzimierz Brus and Kazimierz Laski (1989), ‘The Capital Market and the Problem of Full Employment’ 26. Alec Nove (1991), ‘Feasible Socialism?” 27. Martin L. Weitzman and Chenggang Xu (1992), ‘Vaguely Defined Cooperatives and Cooperative Culture: A Reconciliation of a Paradoxical Phenomenon in Transitional Economies’

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Book SynopsisRussian democracy in the post-totalitarian era is intimately bound up with the fate of its representative institutions. In Russia's Road to Democracy, Victor Sergeyev and Nikolai Biryukov assess why the Congress of People's Deputies, and the other newly elected institutions founded under perestroika, not only failed to prevent, but also seemed to speed up and provoke, the disintegration of the Soviet Union. By studying the early history of the Congress, the book seeks insights on the prospects for democracy in Russia.Following an inquiry into the roots of Soviet political culture and the implications for future representative institutions, the book then examines the genesis of the Congress of People's Deputies and attempts a hermeneutical reconstruction of the deputies' models of social reality, as expressed in the texts of their parliamentary debates. The authors argue that the adoption of the concept of sobornost - a belief in society's organic unity - as the basic model for this institution proved utterly inadequate to the challenges the country faced. Including substantial new source material which is being made available in English for the first time, Russia's Road to Democracy presents an in-depth analysis with conclusions that contradict the hitherto prevailing theoretical assumptions.Trade Review'I am much impressed with Russia's Road to Democracy and expect it to be well received. It is the work of two young Russian political scientists as able and creative as any we have in the West. Their use of the idea of political culture seems to me to be of much value in the study, and the historical background in Part I, The Soviet Leviathan, is indispensable as well as highly readable. The whole book is a "first" in the political science literature on recent Russia.' -- Robert C. Tucker, Princeton University, US'Parts I & II are the heart of this book's originality and brilliance. Historical analysis of aspects of Russian political culture, their reinforcement by aspects of Soviet political culture and the persuasive categorization of the levels of beliefs made for exciting, nourishing reading. The analysis of rhetoric at the First Congress of People's Deputies was equally exciting, both in the conception and execution. I will strongly recommend this book to my graduate students.'Table of ContentsIntroduction - parliamentary activity and political culture. Part 1 The Soviet Leviathan: the roots of bondage; the brilliance and poverty of Soviet power. Part 2 The USSR supreme rally: constitutional reform; Sobornost' versus parliamentarianism. Part 3 A new behemoth, or the not very long parliament - the crisis; the fiasco; conclusion - representative democracy and post-totalitarian evolution; post scriptum - "The Candlelight Congress".

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Book SynopsisThe Anatomy of the New Poland examines the nature and scope of political change in the first years of post-communist politics in Poland. Poland is significant not only because events there triggered the downfall of Communism throughout the region, but also because of the bold economic experiments of the new Polish leadership. Covering the period from the Round table negotiations of 1989 to the second free parliamentary elections in September 1993, the book blends an examination of the general features of communist systems and the challenges for democratic development in Eastern Europe with a specific analysis of the situation in Poland. In an authoritative analysis, Frances Millard discusses the shaping of the new constitutional framework and the interplay of political institutions in Poland while highlighting the influences upon the development of political parties and the emergence of a new party system. The dilemmas and achievements of post-communist politics are illustrated with reference to topical issues of decommunization and privatization. Written in a clear, accessible style, this book links developments in Poland to general themes in political science. As an assessment of the factors that undermine, and those that further, the emergence of democratic politics, it will be welcomed by scholars and students of the development and transformation of post-communist societies.Trade Review'Frances Millard's analysis is illuminating and useful because it deals with the political as well as the economic realities of life in post communist Poland and scrutinizes the close links between the two. . . . All in all, it is a book that can be recommended to those who have a desire to develop a more thorough understanding of the Polish predicament today.' -- Janusz J. Tomiak, International Affairs'Frances Millard has produced a book which is likely to establish itself as the most widely read account of the first four years of Poland's post-Communist development. Its virtues are that it is clearly written, admirably organized and very balanced in its coverage and judgements.' -- Wendy Bracewell, The Slavonic ReviewTable of Contents1. The Communist Regime and Its Legacy 2. Understanding Change 3. Unsaddling the Socialist Cow: the Round Table and Its Consequences 4. Polish Governments after the Presidential Election 5. Elections and the Party System in the New Poland 6. The New Political Institutions 7. Privatisation, De-commuication and Civil Liberties 8. Poland's External Relations.

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Book SynopsisNow fully revised and updated for the second edition, this unique and authoritative account of the party systems in Eastern Europe examines their development from the revolutions of the late 1980s to the present day. The New Democracies in Eastern Europe presents a genuinely comparative perspective on the old and new party systems. Featuring detailed assessment and analysis of the situation in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, the volume draws upon research and opinion from a distinguished group of European scholars. Recognising that many of the social and political problems of the inter-war period continue to make themselves felt, the authors contend that the breakdown of the old authoritarian system was a by-product of a built-in and progressively worsening legitimacy crisis. Despite the great progress made by some East European countries, recent events confirm the view that authoritarianism has not lost its appeal.As an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of political change and development in Eastern Europe - rapidly produced to present the most recent information - this book will be welcomed by researchers, teachers and students.Trade Review‘The New Democracies in Eastern Europe is a useful book, particularly in its illustration of the different histories and traditions of party politics in Eastern Europe, which affect the various prospects for democracy in the area.’- Ann Griffiths, International InsightsTable of ContentsContents: 1. The Breakdown of Communism in Eastern Europe (Sten Berglund and Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 2. The Failure of Popular Democracy Sten Berglund and Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 3. Poland – Towards Overdeveloped Pluralism (Marian Grzybowski) 4. The Re-Emergence of Multi-Partism in the Baltic States (Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 5. The Breakdown of the German Democratic Republic (Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 6. Czechoslovakia – From Masaryk to Havel (Marek Bankowicz) 7. The Transition to Competitive Pluralism in Hungary (Marian Grzybowski) 8. Romania – The Slow Revolution (Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 9. Bulgaria – The Continuing Revolution (Marek Bankowicz) 10. Prospects for the New Democracies in Eastern Europe (Sten Berglund and Jan Åke Dellenbrant)

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Book SynopsisNow fully revised and updated for the second edition, this unique and authoritative account of the party systems in Eastern Europe examines their development from the revolutions of the late 1980s to the present day. The New Democracies in Eastern Europe presents a genuinely comparative perspective on the old and new party systems. Featuring detailed assessment and analysis of the situation in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, the volume draws upon research and opinion from a distinguished group of European scholars. Recognising that many of the social and political problems of the inter-war period continue to make themselves felt, the authors contend that the breakdown of the old authoritarian system was a by-product of a built-in and progressively worsening legitimacy crisis. Despite the great progress made by some East European countries, recent events confirm the view that authoritarianism has not lost its appeal.As an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of political change and development in Eastern Europe - rapidly produced to present the most recent information - this book will be welcomed by researchers, teachers and students.Trade Review‘The New Democracies in Eastern Europe is a useful book, particularly in its illustration of the different histories and traditions of party politics in Eastern Europe, which affect the various prospects for democracy in the area.’- Ann Griffiths, International InsightsTable of ContentsContents: 1. The Breakdown of Communism in Eastern Europe (Sten Berglund and Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 2. The Failure of Popular Democracy Sten Berglund and Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 3. Poland – Towards Overdeveloped Pluralism (Marian Grzybowski) 4. The Re-Emergence of Multi-Partism in the Baltic States (Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 5. The Breakdown of the German Democratic Republic (Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 6. Czechoslovakia – From Masaryk to Havel (Marek Bankowicz) 7. The Transition to Competitive Pluralism in Hungary (Marian Grzybowski) 8. Romania – The Slow Revolution (Jan Åke Dellenbrant) 9. Bulgaria – The Continuing Revolution (Marek Bankowicz) 10. Prospects for the New Democracies in Eastern Europe (Sten Berglund and Jan Åke Dellenbrant)

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Book SynopsisStrategic Choice and Path-Dependency in Post-Socialism focuses on the distinctive institutional legacies of state socialism and their impact on the transformation of Poland, Hungary and the former Czechoslovakia. Strategic dilemmas and problems of institutional design involved in the transition from state socialism to democratic and market-orientated societies are also addressed in this ground breaking volume.A distinguished group of scholars from Eastern and Central Europe, as well as the West, addresses the transformation process from the institutional and evolutionary perspectives in political economy and the social sciences. The first part presents six essays by Western scholars reflecting on institutional design, strategic dilemmas, path-dependency, and the dynamics of post-socialism with a general relevance to the transformation process. The remaining papers provide detailed, contemporary analyses of the transformation of Poland, Hungary, and the former Czechoslovakia respectively. Each part covers the same broad set of themes so that the reader obtains an insightful and authoritative overview of the problems of institutional design, strategic dilemmas and path dependency.This strong combination of theoretically informed comparative analysis with up-to-date case studies, drawing on several years' experience of the countries discussed, will ensure that this major new volume will be welcomed by students and researchers interested in Eastern and Central Europe, comparative economics, politics and sociology.Trade Review'. . . is a stimulating and provocative book. . .' -- Martin Myant, The Economic Journal'. . . it results in a useful collection which begins to lay the basis for a better understanding of interest group dynamics in post-communist economies.'– George Blazyca, Europe-Asia StudiesTable of ContentsPart 1 Institutional design, stategic dilemmas, and the dynamics of post-Socialist transformations: designing institutions for East European transitions, Claus Offe; not by design - the myth of designer capitalism in Eastern Europe, David Stark; reflections on the fiscal crisis of post-Communist states, John L. Campbell; alternative scenarios for Central Europe, Hans van Zon. Part 2 Institutional dynamics of the transition in Poland: the free market of a social contract as bases for systemic transformation, Tadeusz Kowalik; financial crisis of the post-Socialist state - the Polish case, Stanislaw Owsiak; from corporatism to ... corporatism - the transformation of interest representation in Poland, Jan Gorniak and Jaroslaw Jerschina. Part 3 Institutional dynamics of the transition in Czechoslovakia: transition to a market economy in the former Czechoslovakia, Jan Adam; transformation of the Czech and Slovak economies 1990-1992 - design, problems, costs, Pavel Mertlik; can the Czech Republic develop a negotiated economy?, Ludek Rychetnik. Part 4 Institutional dynamics of the transition in Hungary: reforming alliances - labour, management and state bureaucracy in Hungary's economic transformation, Laszlo Bruszt; centralization, re-nationalization and redistribution - government's role in changing Hungary's ownership structure, Eva Viszka; post-Socialist transformation in Hungary? entering a second stage?, Judit Habuda.

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Book SynopsisWomen and Market Societies explores the problems and possibilities for women which arise from the transition to a market economy in East Asia, the dismantling of state socialism in Eastern Europe and the restructuring of the economies and welfare states of the older capitalist market societies in Western Europe. Questioning whether the global trend towards market economics will constrain or enhance women's opportunities, this innovative interdisciplinary volume also looks at the consequences for women as workers, and beyond that to the social and cultural implications. A distinguished group of scholars - from China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Europe - explores the issues which must be addressed before women can create a more empowering politics. Such issues include the continuing tensions between paid work in the market and unpaid work in the family and the extent to which Eastern or Western legislative frameworks, providing rights and benefits, have eased or exacerbated these tensions. The paradoxical effects of modernising housework, the power and contestibility of global media representations of femininity, the experience of building a women's politics around consumption are all themes explored in this book which aims to contribute to an East-West dialogue among women.Trade Review'Women in Market Societies provides an interesting read on issues central to feminist economics. Although this book was originally published in 1995, the issues remain relevant and the analysis continues to provide texture for continuing changes in established and emerging market societies. . . The book does not claim to provide 'definitive conclusions, but [aims] to create an agenda for ongoing research and discussion' (p.1). Eight years later, this agenda still poses the key questions for those interested in the influence of market institutions on women's lives, and no other book published in the intervening years has pulled together such a broad range of issues with a focus on the intersection of market and gender studies.' -- Barbara E Hopkins, Feminist EconomicsTable of ContentsContents: Preface Introduction Part I: Consumption and Women’s Politics: Past Experiences Part II: Modernizing Domestic Spaces: Liberating Women? Part III: Cultural Representations and Resistances Part IV: Crisis in Western Market Societies Part V: Problematic Transitions to Market Societies in the East

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Book SynopsisThe Economic Theory of Socialism and the Labour-Managed Firm focuses on market socialism and the relevant debate among economic theorists. It argues that market socialism is the only rational form of socialism and that market socialism with labour-managed firms is by far the best form of market socialism. The book begins with a critical review of the contributions to the economic theory of socialism. The second part discusses the economic theory of labour-managed firms and pays particular attention to the adverse labour-supply curve, underinvestment, monitoring and the separation of ownership and control. The final chapters discuss problems such as the control of economic activity in labour-managed firms, worker motivation and incentives.This book will be of particular use to students and academics interested in comparative economic systems and to specialists in politics and sociology with an interest in alternative forms of economic organization.Trade Review'As a summary, extension and exposition of the calculation debate and the (neoclassical) theory of the labor-managed firm, Jossa and Cuomo's book is very useful and should probably be in the library of any scholar interested in the topic.'Table of ContentsContents: Introduction: Labour Management and Socialism 1. Economic Calculation in Socialism: Early Contributions 2. Socialism and Market: Lange’s Contribution and Marxist Theory 3. Liberalist Criticisms of the Lange Model 4. Socialism with Autonomous Firms 5. On the Taxonomy of Economic Systems 6. Market Socialism and Income Distribution 7. An Introduction to the Theory of the Labour-managed Firm 8. Equilibrium of the Self-managed Firm 9. Criticism of Ward’s Model 10. Self-managed Firms and Underinvestment 11. Property Rights and the Financing of the Cooperative Firm 12. Neo-institutionalism and the Cooperative Firm 13. Self-managment and the Social Foundation of Character 14. Conclusion Index

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Book SynopsisA complex relationship exists between democratic politics and the management of the environment. Democracy and the Environment presents major new work on the challenges and dilemmas which environmental problems pose for the processes of democratic politics. The relationship between environmental values and goals and democratic theory and practice is explored through original essays by established scholars whose conclusions are then integrated by the editors into a concluding essay. This major book illustrates and analyses the many ways in which environmental problems pose difficulties for democratic decision-makers. Environmental problems impact across established regional and national boundaries, and involve complex social processes, intricate patterns of loss and gain, and time scales which do not synchronise with electoral political systems. The essays in Democracy and the Environment reflect critically upon the experience of democratic states, explore the contradiction between popular participation and environmental management, and consider the kind of reforms needed to enhance the capacity of democratic systems to handle environmental problems.Focusing on the democratic process and combining theoretical and empirical analysis with discussion of the pragmatic implications, the authors present constructive criticism and analysis which seeks to encourage more effective environmental decision making and the promotion of global sustainable development.Trade Review'Democracy and the Environment brings together an impressive array of authors who are well known and influential within environmental politics and policy making. These include Andrew Dobson, Timothy O'Riordan, John Dryzek, Robert Paehlke and Daniel J. Fiorino, amongst others. . . . This is an excellent collection and the variety of approaches taken by the different authors means that it will be of interest both for teaching and for research purposes.'<BR>- G. Smith, Environment and Planning BTable of ContentsContents: 1. Democracy and the Environment: Congruence and Conflict – Preliminary Reflections (W.M. Lafferty, J. Meadowcroft) 2. Environmental Challenges to Democratic Practice (R. Paehlke) 3. Democracy, the Environment and Public Opinion in Western Europe (S. Witherspoon) 4. Democracy as a Condition for Environmental Policy Success: The Importance of Non-Institutional Factors (M. Jänicke) 5. Democracy and Environmental Ethics (B.Pepperman Taylor) 6. Strategies of Ecological Democratization (J.S. Dryzek) 7. Representative Democracy and the Environment (A. Dobson) 8. Democracy and the Sustainability Transition (T. O’Riordan) 9. Sustainability and Associative Democracy (W. Achterberg) 10. Learning to Manage the Environment (P. Glasbergen) 11. Environmental Policy and the Participation Gap (D.J. Fiorino) 12. Environmental Policy in the European Union: Institutional Dilemmas and Democratic Practice (S. Baker) 13. NGOs as Agents of Public Accountability and Democratization in Intergovernmental Forums (A. Bichsel) 14. Democracy and the Environment: Prospects for Greater Congruence (W.M. Lafferty, J. Meadowcroft) Index

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Book SynopsisThis volume offers a thorough empirical analysis of the experiences of the left-wing parties in post-communist states and assesses their prospects for the future.The volume examines the fortunes of the political left in selected post-communist countries: Russia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Romania. Regardless of their individual experiences, they all face similar challenges relating to their authoritarian past. These challenges include building a civil society and combating an under-developed party system and a mercurial electorate, combined with the political and social pressures associated with the transformation to a market economy. Six country studies all address how the left-wing parties have returned to the political stage and discuss their prospects for the future. The volume finds that the left has been a resilient, and generally underestimated, force in post-communist states aided by a unique combination of history, geography, commerce and social/cultural values.This book will be of interest to students and scholars as well as policy practitioners with responsibility for post-communist regions.Table of ContentsContents: Preface: Defining the Left 1. The Return of the Left: Causes and Consequences 2. The Russian Left in Transition 3. Lithuania Beyond the Return of the Left 4. Left Politics in Post-communist Hungary 5. Young, Westernized, Moderate: The Polish Left after Communism 6. The Left in Slovenia 7. From Red Star to Roses: The Left in Post-communist Romania 8. Understanding the Left and Its Future Index

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Book SynopsisThis is the first monograph in English on how China's agricultural collectivization began. In 1953, the Chinese Communist Party launched a system of agricultural collectivization to lean the countryside toward socialism. It led to the Utopian Commune Movement in 1958 and was followed by the worst famine in human history. Surprisingly, however, its beginnings are poorly understood and often regarded as Mao Zedong's imposition from above. This book challenges the conventional wisdom and explores how the national policy emerged from complex bureaucratic interactions among central, regional, local governments, and peasants.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first monograph in English on how China's agricultural collectivization began. In 1953, the Chinese Communist Party launched a system of agricultural collectivization to lean the countryside toward socialism. It led to the Utopian Commune Movement in 1958 and was followed by the worst famine in human history. Surprisingly, however, its beginnings are poorly understood and often regarded as Mao Zedong's imposition from above. This book challenges the conventional wisdom and explores how the national policy emerged from complex bureaucratic interactions among central, regional, local governments, and peasants.

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