The Death of Social Democracy

Lavelle argues that the political-economic context of the 21st Century means that social democratic projects cannot be revived as a result of the pressures of economic decline since the end of the post-war boom, globalization, European integration and ideological developments in favour of the free market. These pressures have led social democrats to embrace neo-liberal policies and become threatened by minor parties and Independent politicians. Lavelle argues that social democracy cannot be resurrected and that its decline has increased popularity of minor parties and independents. The book uses case studies from Australia, the UK, Germany and Sweden.