National Policy in a Global Economy ― How Government Can Improve Living Standards and Balance the Books

Great Britain PLC doesn't exist, but politicians have not adjusted to this new reality or to the impact of globalisation on the United Kingdom's economy. Governments act as though they direct a firm with national competitors they have to 'beat', and this prompts 'dashes for growth', 'cuts now, prosper later' and other grandiose projects which divert politicians from what they should be doing – improving life for ordinary citizens.

This study offers an analysis of the UK's current economic policy options and a plan for improving life for ordinary citizens via a sensible and realistic understanding of governments' limited ability to manage economic performance. Providing a new exciting manifesto for political parties, it contributes to the debate on improving life for all in the UK.

Ian Budge is Professor Emeritus at the University of Essex. He has written some thirty books and numerous monographs on various aspects of democratic policy-making for which he received a European Award last year.

Sarah Birch, Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Glasgow, UK, is an acknowledged authority on processes of democratization, including political corruption, and election systems and their effects. Her current research focuses on globalization and its impact on democratic practice.