What is Radical Politics Today? (PDF)

JONATHAN PUGH is Senior Academic Fellow in Territorial Governance at Newcastle University, UK. He is Director of 'The Spaces of Democracy and the Democracy of Space' network. This examines the character and spirit of radical politics today, operating through 15 institutions globally.

'Jonathan Pugh gathers some of the most innovative and insightful voices from Britain and beyond to stage a series of debates on the central issues facing radical politics today. This collection is a model for the kinds of discussion we need to move forward.' Michael Hardt, Duke University

'This is a bold, brave and timely book. As we emerge, blinking into the light after three decades of neo-liberal darkness, Jonathan Pugh has put together a collection of essays that will provoke and provide clues to the question of what comes next; what indeed is radical politics today?' - Neal Lawson, Chair of Compass

'With impeccable timing, this volume provides a stimulating range of perspectives on what radical politics can offer during this period of crisis and change. It deserves to be widely read and debated.' - Ruth Lister, Professor of Social Policy, Loughborough University, UK

'At a time when all ideologies are either exhausted or have become irrelevant, the need for a truly radical politics can hardly be exaggerated. Radical politics is about rethinking the common sense, the taken for granted assumptions, of the age. This timely and well-planned collection of essays by distinguished and concerned scholars throws much new light on where we should be looking for new ideas. It represents a major contribution to the ongoing debate on the problems of our times.' - Lord Bhikhu Parekh

'In the present moment of rapid and fundamental political and economic change we need sustained critical discussion of the kinds of alternative politics available to us. In What is Radical Politics Today? leading political theorists initiate this timely discussion by addressing both possibilities and obstacles from a wide range of perspectives.' - James Tully, University of Victoria

'There's a world to win, but only if the Left is possessed of bright ideas, inspiring aspirations and brilliant strategies. This book - rich in insight - assembles some of