The Politics of Economics - 23 January 2018 - The Last Crisis of Social Democracy: Economics and Populisms

Wolfgang Munchau (Financial Times)Christopher Bickerton (Cambridge)Louise Haag (York) AbstractThe crisis of social-democracy.The recent disenchantment of voters with existing political institutions is often depicted as resulting from a retrenching welfare state and growing economic inequalities. If this explanation is correct then it is striking that the policies enacted by so-called “populist” governments can hardly be described as social democratic. In fact, around the world social democratic parties are in a deep crisis. In the panel, we will discuss these topics and ask how those who are sympathetic to a strong welfare state should respond.