CHÁ QUENTE #199

Hoje até seria um daqueles dias em que o blogger é menos blogger, mas...

Policy Network

Modern social democracy must hold true to its radical vision: a stable economy in which all have the chance of success; an education system that spreads opportunity to all; a belief in using the public, private and voluntary sectors to strengthen communities; a balanced approach to law and order that tackles crime and its causes; an internationalism that deals with poverty and environmental damage as well as terrorism; and a belief in tackling inequality, devolving power, and helping the powerless. Yet as new priorities evolve, that vision must be interrogated anew.

The New Wave
Policy Network’s Honorary Chair

Peter Mandelson
Spring Conference 2006

"...Without doubt, the fundamental aspect we need to interpret correctly is the pervasive interdependence that characterises our world. Globalisation is beneficial but it needs to be managed so that it spreads its benefits in more equal ways. This requires both a stronger Europe and stronger transatlanticism. The ideals of patriotism need to be redefined but are in a struggle with those who want to use patriotism in a divisive and populist way, using identity politics in an insecure world. There are emerging problems of high employment societies with flexible labour markets: rising income inequalities, lack of work-life balance, the need for industrial restructuring in the light of Asia’s rise and low quality jobs in the service economy with few opportunities for advancement.We need to foster new debate on responsible capitalism: pro business, pro social responsibility. The education world must be further shaken out of its complacency: it is no longer possible to tolerate a society where so many young people emerge from formal education with too few skills and limited opportunities to catch up or retrain in later life. For the hard working middle class, the weakening of corporate welfare provision through the decline of occupational pensions is the key issue for the ageing society, together with new burdens to get children through college and start up a family home, as well as the costs of care for very elderly parents.
The wave of immigration in the last ten years has put strains on already fragmenting communities. These tensions undermine solidarity. They lead people to define their ideas of fairness in new ways. Legitimate concerns need to be recognised and fair rules properly enforced – it is no good simply denouncing people as racists – but we need to do this in the context of tolerant, cosmopolitan values and the open society we champion. And, with difficulty for some on the left, we must remain strong on national security. Perhaps the most basic duty of the state is to protect people physically from attack. Fail to fulfil it, and we risk being swept from office.
This is not a comprehensive list of policy challenges. But you just begin to list them, and you will realise the complexity of the dilemmas we face and the need for constant renewal of thinking and action. This is what Policy Network exists to do, while encouraging the next generation of modernising politicians and activists in our movement..."

The Hampton Court Agenda

A Social Model for Europe

The material contained in this pamphlet is the result of a Policy Network research programme on the future of the European Social Model. The programme launched in July 2005 had two objectives. First, to provide a comprehensive academic analysis of the challenges facing the European Social Model, and to identify innovative policy responses to these. Second, to stimulate policy proposals and reform of the European Social Model amongst the progressive community across Europe.

Outras «pequenas»Progressive Policies:

Debating the Social Model: Thoughts and Suggestions, Anthony Giddens
Seeking a Roadmap for Gender and Generational Equality, Jane Jenson
The Environment in the European Social Model, Måns Lönnroth