Many people today feel that something has gone wrong with British society and British politics. The quality of like seems to be declining. Crime soars. Traffic and pollution spiral. Mass unemployment is undiminished, while many people experience insecurity and stress at work. Growing poverty and inequality have left many of Britain's citizens excluded from mainstream society. Everywhere, the sense of community seems to be breaking down.

In the world as a whole, poverty and conflict cause immense suffering and threaten the security of nations. Global environmental degradation - from the greenhouse effect to the destruction of rainforests - makes the very future of the planet uncertain.

Yet the political system seems barely to register what is happening. It is hardly surprising that public disillusionment with politicians and Parliament has never been higher.

The Politics of the Real World addresses these interlocking crises. Setting out the issues clearly, it explains how conventional economic and social policies are creating the problems we face, not solving them. Arguing that the British political system itself needs rejuvenating, it proposes a new direction for the UK in an increasingly globalised world.

About the Author
REAL WORLD is committed to raising the importance of environmental sustainability, social justice ? in the UK and internationally ? and democratic renewal in the UK political debate.

Reviews

'An invigorating read'
New Scientist

'This slim volume puts it all together and makes the connections - angry coherent and passionately political'
BBC Wildlife Magazine

'Extraordinarily valuable'
The Friend

'The book to read if you think that conventioanl politics is failing the environment and failing you'
Earth Matters

'Real World has raised serious questions about the motives and consequencies of current policy'
Methodist Recorder

'If you can only bring yourself to read one policy-related book before the General Election, make sure it's the Real World Coalition's The Politics of the Real World - it's the best shot at restoring grown-up politics in the UK for many years'
Town and Country Planning

Book Information
ISBN 9781853833502
Author Real World Coalition
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Earthscan Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 204g