policy network
new ideas for progressive politics
All Articles
Exorcising extremist ideologies
Date: 10 March 2010
Author(s): Elena Jurado
Exorcising extremist ideologies
In allowing uncertainty to govern the response to the BNP, politicians are missing a vital chance to rein back their support and expose the racist ideology which drives them
More information
Finance and education: the twin peaks of government-led growth
Date: 17 February 2010
Author(s): James Foreman-Peck
Finance and education: the twin peaks of government-led growth
Sustainable growth requires well-regulated, stable financial markets, but it also needs human capital investment
More information
The American Way
Date: 17 February 2010
Author(s): Jeff Madrick
The American Way
By ignoring the lessons of American history, we risk endangering social equity, prosperity and even democracy
More information
The empire strikes back
Date: 04 February 2010
Author(s): Prem Shankar Jha
The empire strikes back
Where are our political leaders in the climate science furore? The “Himalayan revelations” show how far sceptics will go to destroy our faith in science, but when will we respond?
More information
The political economy of climate change
Date: 15 January 2010
Author(s): Arjun Singh-Muchelle
The political economy of climate change
A convenient cloak for self interest, questions over climate science must not be allowed to hijack the drive towards an internationally binding agreement.
More information
Cameron's Europe policy
Source: Public Servant Magazine
Date: 07 January 2010
Author(s): Roger Liddle & Simon Latham
Cameron's Europe policy
Coy on how he might approach EU integration, David Cameron is playing a high stakes game which could have long-term implications for Britain and Europe.
More information
Big players, a positive Accord
Date: 05 January 2010
Author(s): Anthony Giddens
Big players, a postive Accord
The new Copenhagen Accord recognises core geopolitical realities, and works with rather than against them.
More information
Copenhagen: make or break?
Date: 08 December 2009
Author(s): Simon Latham
Article - Copenhagen : make or break?
Effective action beyond Copenhagen, whatever the outcome there, essentially depends on action by industrialised countries to develop effective national policies that make a real difference on the ground. An international agreement is undoubtedly crucial; but it is not pivotal.
More information
Copenhagen and after
Date: 08 December 2009
Author(s): Anthony Giddens
Article - Copenhagen and after (Anthony Giddens)
Copenhagen can only take us so far but by no means should it fail, rather it must serve to inspire novel thinking and innovative action at the bilateral, regional and national levels
More information
The climate in Copenhagen is for real action
Date: 07 December 2009
Author(s): Nick Rowley
Article - The climate in Copenhagen is for real action
The world can come together in Copenhagen, act in enlightened, collective self-interest and embrace a low-emissions future.
More information
Finding fairness for the future
Date: 03 December 2009
Author(s): Roger Liddle
Article - Finding fairness for the future
Social democrats need to construct a new narrative of “fairness” in order to ensure greater individual fulfilment within a strong society were we all owe obligations to each other.
More information
A balanced approach to decentralisation
Date: 26 November 2009
Author(s): Elena Jurado & Elvira Thissen
Article - A balanced approach to decentralisation
Devolving decision-making power to tackle the welfare impacts of migration requires a careful calibration of powers between central and local authorities, something the Conservatives have failed to grasp when vowing to turn Britain’s pyramid of power on its head.
More information
Effective integration and the EU burden
Date: 25 November 2009
Author(s): Nick Johnson
Article - Effective integration and the EU burden
The changing nature of migration in and amongst member states highlights the need for the EU to support national and local government in fostering better integration and community cohesion.
More information
High politics, lowest common denominator
Source: E-Sharp!
Date: 25 November 2009
Author(s): Olaf Cramme
Article - high politics, lowest common denominator
The growing politicisation of EU decision-making and top-level appointments is failing to narrow the gulf between Brussels and the general public.
More information
An inflexible right clings to outdated ideologies
Date: 24 November 2009
Author(s): Krystian Seibert
Article - An inflexible right clings to outdated ideologies
Disagreements over climate change have divided Australia’s conservative opposition, highlighting the danger of relying on old ideological dogmas to inform climate policies.
More information
Giving Labour the edge on climate policy
Date: 23 November 2009
Author(s): Hugh Compston
Article - Giving Labour the edge on climate policy
The politics of climate change is not entirely untouched by the left-right dimension. Strengthening state capacity in fields such as energy is a distinctively left strategy that we will need if we are to implement vital climate policies.
More information
What happens "after the car"?
Date: 17 November 2009
Author(s): John Urry
Article - What happens "after the car"?
Ranging from regional warlordism to hypermobility the scenarios of life in a post-car era are vast and challenge the world as we know it. Innovation and a “digital-nexus” future can help us navigate this extraordinary transformation.
More information
Change not continuity wins the day in Germany and Portugal
Date: 16 November 2009
Author(s): Alfredo Cabral
Article - Change not continuity wins the day in Germany and Portugal
The electoral fortunes of the German SPD and the Portuguese Socialists offer some home truths for social democracy, not least in sending a sure warning that it can no longer be treated as an indispensable political norm.
More information
G20: An end to US exceptionalism?
Date: 02 October 2009
Author(s): Elena Jurado and Priya Shankar
Is the US ready to reinterpret American identity for a multi-polar world? The outcome of last month’s G20 summit in Pittsburgh has been depicted as a watershed in world economic history. By designating the G20 as the “premier forum” for managing the global economy, the communiqué recognised the major shift in economic power away from Europe and the United States to emerging powers in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
More information
Time to activate the labour market
Source: The Canberra Times
Date: 23 September 2009
Author(s): Krystian Seibert
Encouraged by the recent OECD employment outlook report, the Rudd government should seize the moment and focus on a social investment-led reform of the Australian labour market
More information
The dangers of democracy, EU style
Source: E!Sharp
Date: 16 September 2009
Author(s): Olaf Cramme
A more politicised EU offers real opportunities, but in its currently emerging form it is unlikely to be more effective - or more loved by voters.
More information
The culture wars roar on
Date: 25 August 2009
Author(s): Michael McTernan
Obama can succeed in the healthcare debate if he appeals on both an economic and emotional level to to the America so fervently pitted against him in the latest culture war.
More information
What next in the drop out race for British citizenship?
Date: 10 August 2009
Author(s): Elvira Thissen
Woolas’ proposals aimed at encouraging migrants to go home temporarily and contribute to their homeland’s development in return for a speedier trajectory to British citizenship are out of place and misleading.
More information
A radical revamp
Date: 15 July 2009
Author(s): Priya Shankar
The recent G8 Summit in L'Aquila demonstrates that the grouping can not carry on as it is - and even the G20 is not an apt replacement.
More information
Immigration policies for tomorrow
Source: Rainer Münz
Date: 06 July 2009
Author(s): Rainer Münz
Between 1750 and 1960 Europe was the prime source region of world migration, sending some 70 million people – the equivalent of almost one quarter of continental population growth – overseas.
More information
Immigration and job-creation: a virtuous circle?
Date: 03 July 2009
Author(s): Elena Jurado
Immigration and job creation
Migrant workers are not only here to stay, they have also become an indispensable part of the UK economy
More information
Progress or pitfall? Tentative steps in UK migration policy
Date: 28 April 2009
Author(s): Annie Bruzzone
The underlying objectives behind the overhaul of all previous UK immigration and citizenship legislation is a step in the right direction, but progress is hampered by the policy framework which guides delivery.
More information
A healthy relationship
Date: 01 April 2009
Author(s): Nina Hachigian
As "formestic" policies become increasingly important, Chinese plans to invest in healthcare will benefit US-China relations.
More information
Rebuilding alliances
Date: 31 March 2009
Author(s): W. Alejandro Sanchez
Although the financial crisis is testing Russia's foreign policy priorities, there is still great potential for renewed alliances with Latin America.
More information
Labour market and welfare policies in a mobile economy
Date: 19 March 2009
Author(s): Elena Jurado & Annie Bruzzone
In the 21st century a mobile population is a fact of life and the labour market and welfare policies should be adapted to reflect this.
More information
The missing link
Date: 16 March 2009
Author(s): Priya Shankar
The upcoming elections in both Japan and India present an oportune moment for the progressive community to engage more with their Asian counterparts
More information
Reassessing family policy
Date: 06 February 2009
Author(s): Ulla Björnberg
The success of Sweden’s approach to tackling child poverty, suggests that a more rational approach to the politics of the family may benefit social policy in Britain.
More information
Welfare through wellbeing
Date: 06 February 2009
Author(s): Kate Green
It would be unfair to argue that the UK government has lacked either strategy or new policies in relation to families, work, and poverty over the past decade.
More information
New social risks: decentralisation and welfare expansion in Spain
Date: 06 February 2009
Author(s): Luis Moreno
The case of Spain shows that economic prosperity and social cohesion may also be achieved through the decentralisation of power.
More information
Progress under pressure
Date: 23 January 2009
Author(s): Diego Acosta
It would appear that the economic downturn is behind the changing migration policy of the Spanish Socialists, but political appeasement may offer a more accurate explanation.
More information
Nordic direction? Privatising the migration system in Sweden
Date: 23 January 2009
Author(s): Veronica Palm
Sweden can provide a model for progressive approaches to labour migration in times of economic hardship.
More information
A sea change?
Date: 15 January 2009
Author(s): Tibor Dessewffy
A reflection on why the world has arrived in an economic crisis of this magnitude offers some telling lessons for the future.
More information
Super powers?
Date: 15 December 2008
Author(s): Anne-Marie Le Gloannec
Super powers?
The EU needs to do more to shoulder its responsibilities if it is to defend its interests and propagate the norms it stands for.
More information
The hard sell
Date: 15 December 2008
Author(s): Anand Menon
The hard sell
In meeting global security challenges, the EU must complement its soft power skills with the development of new military capabilities.
More information
The European Social Model and the ECJ
Source: Social Europe Journal
Date: 16 November 2008
Author(s): Roger Liddle
When a scholar of Fritz Scharpf’s reputation and standing speaks, pro-Europeans should listen. His warning that the European project represents a judicial entrenchment of neoliberalism needs to be treated with the utmost seriousness.
More information
Reclaiming social democracy in Europe
Source: Progress
Date: 27 October 2008
Author(s): Roger Liddle
If you look at recent election results, the prospects for European social democracy appear bleak. Whereas in 2000 the EU-15 had 11 centre-left leaders, today there are a mere three: José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in Spain, José Sócrates in Portugal and our own Gordon Brown.
More information
Chief difficulties
Date: 15 September 2008
Author(s): Olivier Ferrand
What is happening to the French Socialist Party (PS)? The rejection of Nicolas Sarkozy by the French citizens presents the opposition with a rare media and political opportunity. But others have taken advantage of it.
More information
Back to the future
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Roger Liddle
Compared to its 1990s heyday the prospects for European social democracy appear bleak. Whereas in 2000 the EU-15 had 11 centre-left leaders, today there are a mere three: Zapatero in Spain, Socrates in Portugal and our own Gordon Brown.
More information
Democracy transfer
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Olaf Cramme
Democracy transfer
To meet the challenges of the 21st century, progressives need to learn how to delegate democracy to the local, regional and global level.
More information
Discomfort, and some hope
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Werner Perger
For the European centre-left parties this was certainly one more summer of discontent. The left to their left is still alive and kicking and talking the classic socialist talk.
More information
Choose freedom
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Richard Reeves
“It really is of importance,” wrote John Stuart Mill, “not only what men do, but also what manner of men they are that do it”. For the great 19th century liberals like Mill the purpose of progressive policies, laws and institutions was not simply to create a good society, but to make good people.
More information
The third way revisited
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Andrew Gamble
The joint manifesto in 1999 issued by Tony Blair and Gerhard Schroeder was entitled Europe: The Third Way/Die Neue Mitte. It boldly declared “social democrats are in government in almost all the countries of the Union.
More information
Which way out?
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Rene Cuperus and Frans Becker
Which way out? That’s the question that troubles both the leaders and the rank and file centre-left parties across Europe. Which way out of the bad polls, the contested leadership, the ideological uncertainty, and the policies and narratives that simply don’t convince the public?
More information
Same difference
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Jesús Caldera and Carlos Mulas-Granados
The current diversity of our societies comes from a variety of sources, including increased intellectual differences between different parts of the population; changes in the demographic balance between younger and older people; but above all, increasing migratory flows.
More information
Yes, they could
Date: 12 September 2008
Author(s): Tobias Dürr
What makes German social democracy appear so unattractive these days? Is it the all-too obvious lack of decisive political leadership? Or is the constant indecisiveness at the top of the Social Democratic party an expression of a much deeper malaise undermining the movement’s “fundamentals”?
More information
Reclaiming moderate America
Date: 05 August 2008
Author(s): David Coates
These are exciting times for American progressives. They are also dangerous ones. Exciting, because the Bush years have left so many people open to an alternative to the self-serving Republicanism of the American right. They are exciting too because the Democratic party at last possesses a charismatic leader appealing to a new generation of voters, and committed to progressive change.
More information
The Italian connection
Date: 23 July 2008
Author(s): Annie Bruzzone
Observing political developments across Europe today, one would be forgiven for thinking that Europeans are partaking in a mass delusion. While Europe’s political classes, media, and general public seek to outperform each other as to which will be most hostile to immigration, Europe continues to steadily become more and more reliant on the outside world and the human resources it harbours.
More information
Barack to basics
Date: 07 July 2008
Author(s): Alex Waddan
A common explanation for the levels of economic inequality in the US is the continuing popular adherence to the values embedded in the “American dream”. This version of the American political culture, seminally expressed in Louis Hartz’s The Liberal Tradition in America, has been challenged by political analysts who emphasise the role of political institutions and powerful interest groups in shaping economic outcomes.
More information
A taxing dilemma
Date: 07 July 2008
Author(s): Peter Taylor-Gooby
Across Europe and particularly in the UK, governments are adopting policies that give a stronger role to markets and which emphasise competitiveness, opportunity and individual responsibility. Our recent research in the British Social Attitudes survey indicates that the move away from the provider to the opportunity state is endorsed by most British citizens.
More information
Reinventing the Nordic model
Date: 07 July 2008
Author(s): Mikko Kuisma
The standard characterisation of the Nordic countries is to portray them as the champions of social democracy. The universal welfare state, which has its origins in the left-agrarian cross-class alliance first forged in the 1930s, is seen to have alleviated persistent inequalities and created a highly stable and just society.
More information
Open knowledge
Date: 30 June 2008
Author(s): Katerina Rüdiger
Making progress towards a “common European immigration” pact is among France’s priorities for its EU presidency. This could be an important opportunity to address an issue—the attraction of skilled migrants from outside the EU—which most European countries have failed to tackle on their own.
More information
Adjustment time
Source: Progress Online
Date: 23 June 2008
Author(s): Roger Liddle
It's the economy, stupid!' The slogan that propelled Bill Clinton to the presidency was backed up by a clear plan for America's economic future. In the 1990s New Labour drew heavily on its promise of stability and fiscal responsibility; ‘welfare to work'; ‘fair taxes' and increased public investment.
More information
Dare to dream
Source: NRC Handelsblad
Date: 31 May 2008
Author(s): Frans Timmermans
Throughout Europe, social democracy is in difficulty and on the defensive. This is certainly true of the Dutch Labour Party (PvdA), which is reeling like a punch-drunk boxer.
More information
Cold comfort
Source: Progress Magazine
Date: 26 February 2008
Author(s): Giles Radice
One of New Labour’s greatest political achievements has been to make the south winnable territory. This was key to Labour’s electoral success in 1997, 2001, and even in 2005 when the Tories began to win back seats in the southern part of England. It remains vital to the party now. Without holding on to our seats in the south, Labour will lose the next election. This is an obvious point which we ignore at our peril.
More information
Spanish practices
Source: Progress
Date: 05 February 2008
Author(s): Olaf Cramme
According to recent research from the University of Cambridge on well-being, Denmark is the happiest country among the old EU member states while the southern nations appear at the bottom of the league table. Britain ranks a mere ninth position scoring roughly as many ‘happiness and life satisfaction’ points as Spain, and slightly more than France and Germany.
More information
Interview with Will Marshall
Source: Progressonline
Date: 31 January 2008
Author(s): Mark Day
“The conservative majority in national politics, that is the presidential majority that the conservatives were able to muster really from the Vietnam era on, has passed the high water mark,” says Will Marshall, president and founder of the influential Democrat thinktank the Progressive Policy Institute, reflecting on the state of the Republican party as the grueling primary phase of this year’s race for the White House unfolds.
More information
How Kevin Rudd clinched it for Labor
Date: 15 January 2008
Author(s): Nick Rowley
On November 24 2007, just a year after it was languishing between five and 10 points behind in the polls, the Australian Labor party won the Australian Federal election with ease.
More information
Immigration, damn lies and statistics
Date: 26 November 2007
Author(s): Annie Bruzzone
While the question of immigration is never far from public debate, recent weeks have seen the topic catapulted into the media once again by a series of apparent government blunders.
More information
French lesson for European social democracy
Date: 31 October 2007
Author(s): Mark Day
Is European social democracy in crisis? That is the question being posed by many social democrats politicians and thinkers in the EU, following a run of unprecedented defeats for centre-left parties in national elections this year – in Greece, Belgium, and France - which have called into question the current health and sustainability of European social democracy.
More information
Europe: politics or die
Source: openDemocracy
Date: 17 September 2007
Author(s): Olaf Cramme
Europe: politics or die - Olaf Cramme
In June 2007 in Berlin, the heads of state and government of the European Union agreed on a detailed mandate to finalise the text of a new treaty to reform the institutions of the European Union.
More information
Social democracy in the 21st century
Source: Auf der Höhe der Zeit – Soziale Demokratie und Fortschritt im 21. Jahrhundert, vorwärts buch Verlag
Date: 04 September 2007
Author(s): Matthias Platzeck, Peer Steinbrück & Frank-Walter Steinmeier
As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, the time has come for social democracy to re-examine its core ideas and objectives.
More information
Europe needs to 'move on' from treaty debate, says UK minister
Date: 06 August 2007
Author(s): Mark Day
Europe needs to move on from an endless debate about institutions and structures and instead focus on the real concerns of its citizens, such as unemployment, said the British Europe minister Jim Murphy in an exclusive interview with Policy Network.
More information
Europe's new triumvirate
Date: 30 July 2007
Author(s): Denis MacShane, former Minister for Europe
National leadership, especially in the biggest EU member states, remains of central importance to an effective Europe. Therefore, the arrival of three new leaders in Germany, France and the UK – Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy and Gordon Brown– has been long awaited by their European counterparts, especially following the difficulties and divisions of the Iraq war and the failed referendums on the European constitutional treaty.
More information
How will Turkey's elections affect its prospects for EU accession?
Date: 16 July 2007
Author(s): Zeynep Damla Gurel , Yusuf Isik
In the course of the last decade, Turkey has surmounted some formidable difficulties and made significant advances, in areas ranging from human rights to reform of its economic institutions.
More information
Why Britain should look again at Europe
Source: E-Sharp Magazine, July - August 2007
Date: 01 July 2007
Author(s): Patrick Diamond
Why Britain should look again at Europe - Patrick Diamond
After years of disappointing performance, Europe’s economy may finally have turned the corner. The EU is experiencing the strongest period of consecutive growth for over a decade.
More information
Social Lisbon: a new agenda for Europe
Date: 21 June 2007
On 22 June, the leaders of the twenty-seven member states of the European Union will get together to decide on the future of the Constitutional Treaty.
More information
The business case for Europe
Source: KPMG Lecture
Date: 04 June 2007
Author(s): Peter Mandelson
The meaning of being 'in Europe' has changed. And the world of which Europe is a part has of course changed out of all recognition.
More information
Emerging from the shadow of Whitehall
Source: Local Government Chronicle
Date: 31 May 2007
Author(s): Lord Geoffrey Filkin , David Albury
Leading Labour thinkers in the Public Service Research Group are making a case for localism in their book Public Matters. This article explains the group's belief that it is only through the empowerment of individuals, communities and councils that services will meet expectations.
More information
The brave new world of government reform
Source: Society, The Guardian
Date: 30 May 2007
Author(s): Patrick Diamond
Despite many improvements in public services over the last decade, we now need a fundamental reassessment of New Labour's reforms, as well as a fresh analysis of future challenges. Those of us who were involved as policy strategists during the Blair years need to acknowledge what we got wrong.
More information
The political centre under pressure: elections in the Netherlands
Date: 24 May 2007
Author(s): Frans Becker , Rene Cuperus
The political centre under pressure: elections in the Netherlands - Frans Becker and Rene Cuperus
Elections in the Netherlands are starting to look increasingly like a surprise party that the voters throw for political parties. Since 1994, election results have shown major shifts, albeit largely within ‘the right’ and ‘the left’ of the political spectrum.
More information
We must plot a new course
Source: The Guardian
Date: 23 May 2007
Author(s): Liam Byrne MP , Ann Rossiter
After a decade of investment, Britain's public services are stronger than ever. We are within sight of ending waiting for NHS care. Our school results are at an all-time high. Crime is at a record low.
More information
A lot done, a lot still to do
Source: Times Educational Supplement
Date: 18 May 2007
Author(s): Robert Hill
‘The king is dead, long live the king’ is the brutal way we move from one political regime to another. But although the removal vans won’t be arriving in Downing Street until the end of June, now is a good time to both look back and look forward.
More information
Life after Blair? What Paul Martin can teach Gordon Brown
Source: The Globe, Canada
Date: 17 May 2007
Author(s): Matt Browne and Tim Murphy
It is a hellish task and it almost never works.
The challenge of moving from dauphin to leading light after a long run in power has bested many a great politician in the modern era. The story has played out most recently in Canada, where Paul Martin took over from Jean Chrétien, and in the United States where Al Gore tried to succeed Bill Clinton.
More information
In praise of revisionism: the social democratic challenge today
Date: 15 May 2007
Author(s): Giles Radice
In praise of revisionism: the social democratic challenge today - Giles Radice
Read Giles Radice's speech on the need for social democratic renewal, particularly if New Labour are to recapture electoral success.
More information
Public services policy review: the public view
Source: Ipsos MORI
Date: 08 May 2007
Author(s): Ben Page
Public services policy review: the public view - Ben Page presentation
Read Ipsos MORI Chairman Ben Page's presentation on the public perception of Public Services in the UK, given at a PSRG breakfast meeting on Tuesday 8th May 2007.
More information
The political economy of comprehensive social policy reform and emergence of a social policy paradigm: the case of Slovakia
Source: Institute of Public Policy, Comenius University, Bratislava
Date: 02 May 2007
Author(s): Miroslav Beblavý
The political economy of comprehensive social policy reform and emergence of a social policy paradigm: the case of Slovakia - Miroslav Beblavý
In many European countries, significant changes in social policy are needed to ensure successful policy outcomes in employment, social inclusion and overall prosperity.
More information
Think global
Source: Progress Magazine
Date: 01 May 2007
Author(s): Patrick Diamond
A decade ago, in common with other social democratic parties, Labour was casting around for an effective ideological position. In Europe, the centre-left was more electorally successful than ever, forming or participating in the majority of governments.
More information
Social bridges: meeting the challenges of globalisation
Date: 27 April 2007
Author(s): Swedish Ministry of Finance and HM Treasury
Social bridges: meeting the challenges of globalisation
The rapidly changing global economy presents opportunities and challenges for policymakers in Europe. They need to find the right responses to achieve both the fairness and the flexibility necessary for economic growth.
More information
Ségolène’s chances
Source: Le Figaro
Date: 26 April 2007
Author(s): Constance Motte
The first round of the French presidential election has had two major characteristics.
More information
The challenge of multiculturalism for the centre-left
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Jürgen Krönig
In Europe and America, parties of the centre-left have been on a steep learning curve over the last ten to fifteen years. They have had to accept some difficult lessons.
More information
Race, class and migration: tackling the far right
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Jon Cruddas
Over the last few years, many of our communities have experienced extraordinary rates of change – primarily driven by mass migration, changing patterns in the demand for labour and the dynamics of the housing market.
More information
Populism against globalisation: a new European revolt
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Rene Cuperus
Western Europe is in the grip of a political identity crisis. The disrupting effects of globalisation, the permanent retrenchment of the welfare state and the development of a ‘media audience democracy’ are accompanied by fundamental changes in the political party system.
More information
Integration and the question of social identity
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Alessandra Buonfino
For decades, the rising volume of migration has been considered by some of the European and international media as one of the most threatening trends of the twenty-first century.
More information
The French social model and immigration: principles and reality
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Francois Dubet
The overwhelming majority of the French believe that they are worse off in their lives today than they were yesterday, and that they will be worse off tomorrow than they are today.
More information
The integration debate in the Netherlands
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Jeroen Dijsselbloem
The ongoing process of globalisation, manifested in unease over issues of migration, integration and Islam, is very much connected with a nostalgic rise of traditional values in voters’ priorities and is exemplified in the Netherlands.
More information
The political centre under pressure: elections in the Netherlands
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Rene Cuperus, Frans Becker
Becker and Cuperus - the political centre
Elections in the Netherlands are starting to look increasingly like a surprise party that the voters throw for political parties. Since 1994, election results have shown major shifts, albeit largely within ‘the right’ and ‘the left’ of the political spectrum.
More information
From free movement to fair movement
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Liam Byrne
Changing patterns of immigration are one of the big challenges that globalisation brings. Like the restructuring of economies, or the challenges from new alliances of terrorists and failed states, it is a change that the centre-left has to manage with a tough-minded fairness – or lose office.
More information
Migration and integration: the errors of the European left
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Ernst Hillebrand
Western European societies are facing a major social and political challenge in the question of managing the integration of old and new immigrants. The warning signs that we have been failing to cope successfully with this challenge have been visible in many events of recent years.
More information
Europe: a new continent of immigration
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Elizabeth Collett
Large-scale immigration to Europe has a comparatively short history. While New World countries such as Australia and the United States were conceived – and strongly identify themselves – as countries of immigration, European states have taken a very different approach.
More information
Rethinking immigration and integration: introduction
Source: Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a new centre-left agenda
Date: 18 April 2007
Author(s): Olaf Cramme, Constance Motte
The following article is drawn from the Introduction to Policy Network's pamphlet, 'Rethinking Immigration and Integration: a New Centre-Left Agenda'. This book argues for a frank and open debate amongst the European centre-left about the issues surrounding immigration and integration.
More information
Ségolène Royal and the French left
Date: 10 April 2007
Author(s): Zaki Laidi, Gerard Grunberg
In the following article, written for the Policy Network website, Zaki Laidi and Gerard Grunberg consider whether Ségolène Royal will be able to follow the path of other European social democratic parties, and modernise the French left. The article draws on their new book, "Sortir du pessimisme social: Essai sur l'identite de la gauche".
More information
Can or should we have a more political Europe?
Date: 04 April 2007
Author(s): Loukas Tsoukalis
In this article, Professor Loukas Tsoukalis analyses the the reasons for declining enthusiasm for the European integration and considers how the structures of the Union could be made more political.
More information
The new capitalist manifesto
Date: 02 April 2007
Author(s): David Pitt-Watson, Stephen Davis, Jon Lukomnik
"The New Capitalists" was published last year by Harvard University, to considerable critical acclaim. It overturns the old left and right arguments about the ownership and control of capital.
More information
A new social model for central and eastern Europe
Date: 19 March 2007
Author(s): Mircea Geoana
Mircea Geoana addresses the serious intellectual and political concern in Romania, especially within the Social Democratic Party, regarding the development of a sub-model of the European Social Model characteristic to central and eastern Europe.
More information
Education - cornerstone of the Romanian social model
Date: 19 March 2007
Author(s): Ana Birchall
Across Europe there is a strong debate as to how the European Social Model should be reformed. In Romania, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) has a duty to participate in the Romanian and the pan-European debate and propose a new Social Model for Romania that places a strong emphasis on social justice.
More information
A strained European model - is eastern enlargement to blame?
Date: 19 March 2007
Author(s): Daniel Daianu
In this article Daniel Daianu examines the various factors which have strained the European Social Model and which arguably make this period of Euro-pessimism quite peculiar.
More information
Impact of EU enlargement on the European social model
Date: 19 March 2007
Author(s): Brigita Schmögnerová
In this article for Policy Network, Brigita Schmögnerová contends that the European project will be unable to expand and succeed if the European Social Model (ESM) is either destroyed, or if it fails to modernise.
More information
Europe’s social reality – towards a fresh debate
Date: 26 February 2007
Author(s): Roger Liddle
The paper on “Europe’s Social Reality” that the Commission has published today is a contribution to a debate that the Commission has decided to open up on the social challenges facing European societies.
More information
Fairness not fear must guide immigration policy
Date: 23 February 2007
Author(s): Liam Byrne MP, Jeroen Dijsselbloem
If the progressive left wants to see a progressive century it has to confront, not elude, the great challenges that globalisation brings, finding answers rooted in our values. Immigration is a case in point, and today progressives from across Europe gather in London to discuss the left's response.
More information
A new type of French socialism?
Date: 21 February 2007
Author(s): Denis MacShane MP
Since Segolene Royal entered the presidential race in early 2006, she has been the object of political controversy. She has been described in the French and international press as being fresh, modern, down-to-earth and a potential source of renewal for a French Socialist party.
More information
Segolene’s speech at Villepinte
Date: 21 February 2007
Author(s): Aurore Wanlin
For some time, Ségolène Royal, the French Socialist presidential candidate, benefited from a good degree of sympathy in the UK. Her charm, her praise of Tony Blair’s policies and criticism of some French policies like the 35-hour week had gained her support in British media and political circles. Many saw her as the progressive figure needed to modernise the Socialist Party, on the model of Tony Blair’s New Labour.
More information
A new beginning for Australia's Labor Party?
Source: Global Social Democracy online article
Date: 11 January 2007
Author(s): Matthew Carter
On 4 December, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) elected a new leader for the fifth time in five years. In a meeting of Members of Parliament and Senators, the Party voted to dump veteran leader, Kim Beazley, in favour of ‘fresh-faced’ Kevin Rudd.
More information
The end of trade unionism?
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2006
Author(s): Thierry Pech
The social democratic project has nearly always assumed a strong link between politics and trade unionism. This was the case in Sweden and Germany, where social democratic parties developed in tandem with strong trade unions.
More information
Modernisation or reconciliation? The new agenda of the French socialists
Date: 13 July 2006
Author(s): Antoine Colombani
On 2nd July 2006, the French socialists adopted their agenda for the 2007 elections. Agreeing on a 23-page document outlining ‘perspectives of action for the next five-year presidential term and, beyond, for the next 10 years’.
More information
Socialist candidates for the 2007 presidential elections
Source: Global Social Democracy online article
Date: 03 July 2006
Author(s): Constance Motte
The Socialist party has a long way to go in order to win the 2007 elections. How is the Socialist party preparing itself for the campaign? Are its divisions ideological or personality-based? What strategy and proposals differentiate its leading figures?
More information
‘Crisis and choice in European social democracy’: the new political economy of Europe’s social model(s)
Source: Lecture to FES annual summer school in Berlin
Date: 01 July 2006
Author(s): Patrick Diamond
In this brief lecture at the Friedrich Elbert Stiftung annual summer school in Berlin, I want to address two compelling themes for the future of European social democracy.
More information
Protectionism, populism and the future of Europe
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 5.1
Date: 01 March 2006
Author(s): Roger Liddle
This article is about the political economy of protectionism and its implications for the future of Europe. Is the EU becoming more protectionist? The answer is about more than the conduct of the EU’s external trade policy.
More information
Off target
Source: Progress Online
Date: 02 January 2006
Author(s): Matt Browne
For those of us who have long been engaged in comparative European debates about the future of social democracy, the view that if it's all right for Sweden then it must be all right for the rest of us is a well established truism.
More information
Debating the social model: thoughts and suggestions
Source: The Hampton Court agenda
Date: 01 January 2006
Author(s): Anthony Giddens
Debating the social model: thoughts and suggestions - Anthony Giddens
This chapter is a contribution to the debate now happening across Europe about the future of the social model. It is intended as a thought-piece, not a detailed set of policy prescriptions.
More information
The caring dimension of Europe: how to make it more visible and more vigorous
Source: The Hampton Court agenda
Date: 01 January 2006
Author(s): Maurizio Ferrera
The caring dimension of Europe: how to make it more visible and more vigorous - Maurizio Ferrera
According to the Treaty on the European Union, the EU has a broad mission: promoting economic and social progress.
More information
The debate over Europe and the Lisbon strategy for growth and Jobs
Source: The Hampton Court agenda
Date: 01 January 2006
Author(s): Maria Joao Rodrigues
The debate over Europe and the Lisbon strategy for growth and Jobs - Maria Joao Rodrigues
The Lisbon strategy launched by the European Council of March 2000 was a European comprehensive strategy for the economic and social development in face of the new challenges: globalisation, ageing, faster technological change.
More information
The need for more Europe
Source: Progressive Politics vol 4.3
Date: 01 October 2005
Author(s): Jose Socrates
The need for more Europe - Jose Socrates
Jose Socrates, secretary-general of the Socialist party and current prime minister of Portugal, outlines why member states' chances of improving research and development records and stronger inter-connexion is considerably strengthened at the European level.
More information
The SPD and the German elections in 2005
Date: 26 September 2005
Author(s): Olaf Cramme
Germany has voted and the result is rather confusing: The two main parties, the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD), have reached relatively low scores with respectively 35.2% and 34.3%, whereas the minor parties did altogether well.
More information
A more dynamic welfare state for a more dynamic Europe
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero
During the last days of October, the British presidency invited all member states to discuss the challenges that globalisation poses to the European Social Model.
More information
Seeking a roadmap for gender and generational equality
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Jane Jenson
In the 1970s women’s movements made claims for greater autonomy and for equal access to income security. These were heard. Directives from the European Union promoted equal opportunities.
More information
Welfare in the age of globalisation
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Ferenc Gyurcsány
Political thought has undergone massive change in the past century and a half. The ambitions then espoused and the means then employed in response to the basic conflicts that surrounded the emergence of the modern bourgeois order in the 19th century are a far cry from those of today.
More information
Public service reform
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Tim Stone
Around the globe, a combination of the changes forced upon individuals by virtue of the unfolding of macro-economic and socio-economic alterations, is creating a fermenting broth of uncertainty.
More information
Making Europe work for cities and regions
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Oisin Quinn
A few years ago there was a car advertisement which showed all of the parts of a particular car laid out in a gallery in France. The first part moved and knocked into the next part causing it to move and so on, creating a chain reaction all the way along the gallery.
More information
The creation of a European culture and identity
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Giovanna Melandri
What is Europe? Where are the boundaries? Where does Europe end? How do we define its identity? What do we mean when we talk about Europe?
More information
The world does not owe us a living!
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Anthony Giddens
The ‘European social model (ESM)’ is, or has become, a fundamental part of what Europe stands for. The ESM is not only European, not wholly social and not a model.
More information
East versus west? The ESM after enlargement
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Katinka Barysch
The EU’s enlargement to the East has been an economic success. Trade between the old and the new members is thriving.
More information
The European social model: from an alleged barrier to a competitive advantage
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Karl Aiginger, Alois Guger
It is well documented that the European Union can neither match past growth rates nor the growth of output, productivity or employment of the US since the early or mid-1990s.
More information
The environment in the European social model
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.3
Date: 01 September 2005
Author(s): Mans Lonnroth
The present political discussion in Europe about social policy and environmental protection is rather defensive, based as it is on concerns about competitiveness, writes Mans Lonnroth.
More information
Race to the top
Date: 01 August 2005
Author(s): Robert Lorentz
The Coalition Agreement of the Grand Coalition: impetus for a reformed European Social Model or lowest common denominator? A discussion of the coalition agreement of the new German coalition may seem to be of predominantly domestic interest.
More information
Why the Dutch voted no: an anatomy of the new Euroscepticism in Old Europe
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.2
Date: 01 August 2005
Author(s): Rene Cuperus
The present European Union is a train that is blindly gathering speed. Not long ago, 10 new carriages were coupled to the train. It is uncertain whether more new carriages will be added and if so, how many.
More information
Retirement in an ageing society: the British debate
Source: Progressive Politics Vol 4.2
Date: 01 August 2005
Author(s): John MacNicol
In the last 15 years in Britain, there has been a revival of interest in age discrimination in employment, the problems of older workers, the future of pensions and all the challenges associated with a projected ageing population after the second decade of the twenty-first century.
More information
A new deal for Africa
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.2
Date: 01 July 2005
Author(s): David Mepham
Africa has rarely been higher on the international political agenda. Along with climate change,it was a central focus at the recent G8 Summit in Gleneagles.
More information
Between protectionism and neo-liberalism: a European progressive way
Source: Progressive Politics 4.2
Date: 01 July 2005
Author(s): Peter Mandelson
Over the next decade, Europe and America face a fundamental choice of directions about our response to intensifying global competition. We could go one of three ways.
More information
Defining progressive principles for international trade
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.2
Date: 01 July 2005
Author(s): Pablo Furche, Ricardo Lagos
International trade is an activity mainly conducted by firms or persons led by the principle of maximising their utility function.
More information
The Commonwealth and the African continent: a general framework
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.2
Date: 01 July 2005
Author(s): Ade Adefuye
Africa is an important region in the Commonwealth with 18 members out of a total of 53. The overriding objective of the Commonwealth is to promote democracy and development in member countries.
More information
Reflections on managing large scale migration better
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.2
Date: 01 July 2005
Author(s): Demetrios G. Papademetriou
For most of the last century, international migration was an important issue for only a handful of countries. Today, the phenomenon touches the lives of more people and looms larger in the economic, social, and domestic policies and international relations of more nations than at any other time.
More information
Debating the social model: thoughts and suggestions
Source: The Hampton Court Agenda
Date: 01 July 2005
Author(s): Anthony Giddens
This article is a contribution to the debate now taking place across Europe about the future of the European Social Model (ESM), with a special focus on the way discussions on the ESM have developed in line with the Lisbon agenda.
More information
Reform of the European Social Model
Date: 01 June 2005
Author(s): Roger Liddle
The basic argument for reform of “the European Social Model” (ESM) should rest first and foremost on considerations of social justice. But the Social Model must also sustain a competitive and successful European economy, which is its essential underpinning.
More information
Where now for Europe? Blair and the constitution
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.2
Date: 01 June 2005
Author(s): Anthony Giddens
The European Union is an experiment. Nothing quite like it has existed before. It is not just a trade bloc, but neither is it a state. It is different from organisations like the United Nations because its members have agreed to pool aspects of their sovereignty in order to deal with collective problems.
More information
Ageing Europe: what makes a successful social democratic reform?
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.1
Date: 01 March 2005
Author(s): Wolfgang Merkel
The history of social democracy has been the history of adaptation to changing circumstances. Revisionism, used as a verdict against social democratic reformers in the past, has become one of the decisive virtues for the success of social democracy in the future.
More information
A progressive agenda for security and development
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 4.1
Date: 01 March 2005
Author(s): Valerie Amos
Over the last few years, international security has risen up the agenda with a focus on tackling terrorism, and dealing with the globalization of drugs and crime.
More information
Research and development policy: new policy challenges
Source: Progressive Politics Vol 4.1
Date: 01 March 2005
Author(s): Juan Moscoso del Prado
Our countries and our policy makers face important generational and demographic challenges: an ageing Europe, the future of pension schemes, the challenge of global migration, globalization, and new technologies.
More information
Is the transatlantic rift getting deeper?
Date: 01 February 2005
Author(s): Patrick Diamond
After a first term marked by the most profound crisis in transatlantic relations since Suez, the re-election of George Bush to the White House in November 2004 inevitably stoked fears of a growing Atlantic rift. Such a prolonged estrangement was unlikely to benefit either Europe nor America.
More information
Enlargement and the Lisbon agenda
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.3
Date: 01 October 2004
Author(s): Alan Mayhew
Since the 10 new member states of the Union together contribute 4.5 per cent of the GDP of the Union measured in current prices and exchange rates and only nine per cent at purchasing power parity, it might be asked if they are irrelevant for the success or failure of economic reform at the Union level.
More information
Concertación por la democracia: progressivism in practice
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.3
Date: 01 June 2004
Author(s): Ernesto Ottone, Carlos Vergara
Combining high economic growth with an ambitious social programme is akin to squaring the circle, especially in a middle-income country. Yet since the return to democracy in 1990, Chilean progressives have made great strides in this direction.
More information
Memo on a social democratic framework for justice
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.3
Date: 01 June 2004
Author(s): Juan Fernando López Aguilar
Social democrats in the past did not pay sufficient attention to the issue of justice. For too long, law and order was the territory of the Right, and both civil and criminal justice were largely ignored by the centre-left.
More information
Beyond corporate social responsibility – rethinking the international business agenda
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.2
Date: 01 June 2004
Author(s): David Mepham
Globalization and the growth and reach of the international private sector raise tough questions for progressives about the regulation and governance of transnational corporations (TNCs).
More information
The case for a UN economic and social council: a question of legitimacy
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.2
Date: 01 June 2004
Author(s): Kemal Dervis in cooperation with Olaf Cramme and Ceren Ozer
Globalisation and the rapid development of new technologies have opened the door to tremendous opportunities for growth. The economic performance of China and many other East Asian countries, joined in the last decade by India, has meant that never before have so many human beings been able to escape poverty in a given time period.
More information
Transatlantic blueprint: The Democratic case for a progressive alliance
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.2
Date: 01 June 2004
Author(s): Ron Asmus
I have been coming to Germany and Europe for nearly 25 years. For the vast majority of that period – indeed, for most of the second half of the 20th century – it did not matter very much who occupied the White House when it came to Europe.
More information
After Cancún: what future for multilateralism?
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.1
Date: 01 March 2004
Author(s): Phillipe Le Grain
Optimists claim that the debacle in Cancún is just a temporary setback. As old trade hands were quick to point out, world trade summits have an unfortunate habit of failing: just cast your mind back to Seattle in 1999, Brussels in 1990 and Montreal in 1988.
More information
Stockholm calling: lessons from the European referendum
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 3.1
Date: 01 March 2004
Author(s): Hans Anker
On September 14th 2003, Sweden held a referendum on whether to join the euro by 2006. A clear majority of 56 per cent voted ‘No’; 42 per cent voted ‘Yes’; and two per cent cast a blank vote[1]. Turnout was 83 per cent.
More information
Growth policies for Europe: Is there a common social democratic agenda?
Source: Where now for European social democracy?
Date: 01 February 2004
Author(s): Jean Pisani-Ferry
The growth performance of the EU is disappointing. The long term statistics are telling: income per capita in the EU has for three decades been stagnating at 70per cent of the US level and since 1980, the share of the EU in world GDP has declined by 4.5 percentage points from 23.9 per cent to 19.4 per cent in 2003, against a mere 0.5 per cent drop for the US.
More information
Reforming European labour markets
Source: A transcript of a speech in London, 19 January 2004
Date: 19 January 2004
Author(s): Poul Nyrup Rasmussen
After a year of analysis and discussion by an international network of experts established by the Party of European Socialists Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, the former prime minister of Denmark, has recently presented his five-point plan for creating five million jobs in Europe.
More information
Global poverty and progressive politics
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 2.2
Date: 01 July 2003
Author(s): Thabo Mbeki
All thinking people throughout the world recognise the fact that global poverty constitutes the deepest and most dangerous structural fault in the contemporary world economy and global human society.
More information
The responsibility to protect: when it's right to fight
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 2.2
Date: 01 July 2003
Author(s): Gareth Evans
A visceral discomfort with the use of military force has traditionally been a defining characteristic of the political left. Responding to externally directed aggression, like that of Hitler in 1939 or Saddam Hussein in 1991, has rarely given progressives much trouble.
More information
Taking asylum seriously
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 2.1
Date: 01 January 2003
Author(s): Antonio Vitorino
I think it is high time we woke up to some realities about immigration policy. The policy is encumbered by too many myths and fantasies. They are circulated – we have to be frank and admit – both by the right and the left. And it is also high time we made up our minds about what we wish to achieve at the European level. I have been Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner at the European Commission since September 1999 and I wish to share some experiences and conclusions I have reached since then.
More information
Progressive Outlook: Empowerment through Partnership in Education
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 1.1
Date: 01 September 2002
Author(s): Matt Browne, Frederic Michel
Education is central to the core set of social democratic values: the equal worth of all, the commitment to meet basic needs, the belief in the radical extension of opportunity, and the insistence on tackling unjustified inequalities. In an age of increased insecurity, it is clear that there are deep synergies between social justice and economic modernisation: mobile, inclusive societies have good reason to believe they will prosper better. A successful education system is central to any social democratic response to modern insecurities and the new economy.
More information
Bridging the Euro-American Gap in the War on Terror
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 1.1
Date: 01 September 2002
Author(s): James Rubin
In the days immediately after the events of September 11th, most believed that our world would never be the same. In some respects, this accepted wisdom has been proven right over the last year. But in some remarkable ways, our international politics have not really changed that much at all.
More information
A European Approach to Global Governance
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 1.1
Date: 01 September 2002
Author(s): Pascal Lamy, Zaki Laidi
When discussing globalisation, the social effects of the economic, cultural and political change it generates are often the core issue. This reflects concerns, present since at least the end of the 19th Century, about the capacity of political communities to ensure their own space within the market, and thus to maintain what Walzer has called “a plurality of spheres of value”.[1] Different forms of social recognition cannot reside solely on the sanction of the market, and we must continue to distinguish between a ‘market economy’ and a ‘market society’.[2]
More information
Toward cosmopolitan social democracy
Source: Progressive Politics Vol. 1.1
Date: 01 September 2002
Author(s): David Held, Anthony McGrew
The contemporary phase of global change is transforming the very foundations of world order by reconstituting traditional forms of sovereign statehood, political community and international governance. But these processes are neither inevitable nor by any means fully secure. Globalization involves a shift away from a purely state-centric politics to a new and more complex form of multi-layered global politics. This is the basis on and through which political authority and mechanisms of regulation are being articulated and rearticulated.
More information
Newsletter Sign Up
upcoming events
recent articles
recent publications
paper
essay
essay
essay
-.jpg)
pamphlet
paper
paper
paper
paper
pamphlet
pamphlet
pamphlet
paper
paper
book
.jpgweb-rig.jpg)
pamphlet
book
book
paper
Terms & conditions | © Policy Network 2006
Website development by NVisage Ltd | Website accessibility by sure horizon