We Americans approach -- not a crossroads -- but a branching of our political road where several destinations are possible. One requires surrendering power to what has become our de-facto governing or ruling class. Another takes us to an expanded democracy where the gap between the 'have much' and the 'have little' has been greatly reduced. In between are byways that eventually will trend one way or the other. The choices will be selected, in the...

An exploration of liberalism profiles the individuals and movements that formed its tradition of radical change through humane measures.

The shock Brexit result highlighted a worrying trend: underemployed white men and women who have seen their standard of living fall, their communities disintegrate and their sense of value, function and inclusion diminish, desperately want a mainstream political party to defend their interests. However, no such party exists. These men and women cannot connect their declining fortunes and growing frustrations to their true cause. Instead, immigrants...

The author explores a new form of political corruption involving a larger sums of money than ever before.

Libertarianism isn't about winning elections; it is first and foremost a political philosophy--a description of how, in the opinion of libertarians, free people ought to treat one another, at least when they use the law, which they regard as potentially dangerous. If libertarians are correct, the law should intrude into people's lives as little as possible, rarely telling them what to do or how to live. A political and economic philosophy as old as...

Uncovers the politics involved when a city recruits and implements a presidential convention. Political party conventions have lost much of their original political nature, serving now primarily as elaborate infomercials while ratifying the decisions made by voters in state primaries and caucuses. While this activity hasn't changed significantly since the 1970s, conventions themselves have changed significantly in terms of how they are recruited,...

"One of Sunday Times's Best Books in Politics for 2008" David Runciman is professor of politics at the University of Cambridge and a fellow of Trinity Hall. His books include The Confidence Trap and The Politics of Good Intentions (both Princeton). He writes regularly about politics for the London Review of Books. What kind of hypocrite should voters choose as their next leader? The question seems utterly cynical. But, as David Runciman suggests,...

What are the limits of Canadian democracy and how are they being expanded by a revolution in participatory democracy? The Brexit vote in Britain and the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States illustrate that our system of representative democracy is in deep trouble. There are signs of political alienation everywhere. Most believe that government is run by a few big interests. Wealthy corporations receive grants and beneficial regulations....

From the moment that the New Labour government left office in 2010, it became a bone of contention for the party. Ed Miliband was styled as the "moving on" leader, Jeremy Corbyn set himself up as its antithesis, Keir Starmer has begun a counter-reaction, embracing New Labour and particularly Tony Blair. Why has the party been seemingly unable to move on from this period in its history? Particularly given the tumultuous and eventful period of politics...

"A blueprint for constructing responsible liberalism. Constructing responsible liberalism that offers freedom and social justice is possible. But doing so begins by examining the history of liberal ideas and culture over the last two centuries, followed by a major overhaul of existing systems, including coming to terms with liberalism's past and its major limitations, upgrading liberal economics, and preparing for technology disruption. Rebuilding...