From statism to pluralism

Modern societies currently lack positive alternative visions of the future. Many commentators have claimed that the only option is a return to free-market capitalism, in which success and survival depend on being as competitive as possible whether as a nation, firm or individual. Yet nations such as Germany and Japan, that might have provided a model of how to do this, are now seen to be failing, and the future for firms seems to be one of ceaseless adaptation to rapid change. Paul Hirst argues that there are viable alternative futures. In From statism to pluralism he advances a model - associative democracy - that, he suggests, addresses the major obstacles to democracy today. Associative democracy is a way of revitalizing democratic accountability and economic governance, through devolving social affairs to voluntary self-governing associations. In a post-liberal society dominated by large, hierarchically-controlled organizations in both the private and public sectors, associative democracy provides a means to re-establish democratic ideals and liberal values. These provocative and compelling essays from one of today's most lively and inventive thinkers, represent an attempt to re-state a practical third way between the discredited ideals of state socialism and laissez-faire capitalism. From statism to pluralism will be essential reading for all those interested in the ideological renewal of the left.