The Passion Of Politics

Description

The Passion of Politics unpacks the ideologies and theories which drive these political clashes, helping to explain why we admire some politicians and loathe others. The ideas driving today's politics all have roots in the political struggles of the past. They've been responses to great injustices and challenges, and they've underpinned enormous achievements. In Australia, they've helped create one of the most wealthy, free and just societies in history. Today we are faced with important choices between flawed options. The struggles of the past have undermined our belief in utopias. Yet the current battles remain crucial to defining our future. Understanding the dynamics of the ideas in play is essential to equipping ourselves to take part in these vital debates.

Author description

Lindy Edwards is Senior Lecturer in politics at the University of New South Wales. She is the author of the bestselling How to Argue with an Economist: Re-opening political debate in Australia.

Table of contents

Acknowledgements Academics' Preface Introduction PART 1: THE FOUNDATIONS 1. Values, Beliefs and Ideologies 2. Conservatism 3. Liberalisms 4. Socialism PART 2: FORGING THE AUSTRALIAN TRADITION 5. Australia at Federation and The Radical Democrats 6. White Australia 7. Early Divisions and 'The Three Elevens' 8. The Birth of Australian Egalitarianism 9. Creating the Two Party System 10. Trends of Political Debate - Splits and Creeping Social Democracy PART 3: 1970s CONSTRUCTIVISM AND LIBERATION MOVEMENTS 11. Constructivism 12. Feminism 13. Gay Rights Movement 14. Aboriginal Rights Movement 15. Multiculturalism PART 4: A TURN TO THE RIGHT 16. Neo-Liberalism and Rational Choice Theory 17. 1980s Economic Reforms 18. Neo-Conservatism 19. A New Nationalism PART 5: OUR FUTURE CHOICES 20. Human Nature 21. How we organize ourselves 22. Environmentalism as a Window into Future Debates Conclusion S