Hannah Sell

The author is a prominent member of the Socialist Party, this party originated with the Militant group which were expelled from the Labour Party. They are one of the largest left-of-labour parties in the UK and represent a well organised and influential grouping. The book on socialism is therefore close to being a manifesto for the party.

The author begins by rejecting Fukuyama's 1989 thesis of the 'end of history', instead she states "Socialist ideas have been developed over centuries in the course of hummanity's fight for a better life" (p.4).

There follows a critique of the worry and stress to workers of living in Britain today. With Thatcherism, and more recently Blairism engaging in cuts to the welfare state and a decline in manufacturing industry.

New Labour is in for much criticism, with NHS privatisation, Private Finance Initiatives and support for big business. Its claimed New Labour was an attempt to become a party such as the Democrats in the USA, dropping all mention of socialism. We should remember Labour was the government when this book was written.

The book adopts a standard marxist critique of capitalism, admiring its creative power and created riches, but condeming its "erosion of our quality of life" (p.11). We go through an abbreviated statement of marxist philosophy without too much depth, the book is aimed at a general audience, however the author does come across as thoughtful.

Other contemporary critics of capitalism, such as Naomi Klein and George Monbiot are considered. The author lays the blame for global warming squarely with capitalism.

In contrast, socialism would harness "human talent and technique" (p.41). A socialist government would bring into common ownership the biggest 100-150 companies, which would be controlled through a network of committees allowing ordinary people to excercise democratic control. Political representatives would receive no more than the average wage. Arms spending would be slashed and the working week reduced to a maximum of 35 hours.

The threat of imperialism to socialist countries would be contained by genuine internationalism.

As regards tactics, Owenite co-ops and new age philosophies are rejected as lacking direction. Direct action has a role, but should be part of an organised campaign led by a party. There is some analysis of the Russian experience and how things went wrong for socialism there.

In conclusion, this is a good statement of the ideas which motivate contemporary socialists. It is not too narrowly partisan, as many other socialists, progressives and even liberals would agree with much of the argument. I would have liked to have seen more analysis of socialist ideas, particularly difficult areas such as inequality of regions, democratic planning and worker motivation. It probably needs to be updated for the latest incarnation of neo-liberalism in the form of our Condem Coalition and its austerity policies.

My review is of the New/Second Edition 2006 ISBN 1870958233… (más)