Freedom, Responsibility and the State
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On 22nd May, Politeia will launch its next pamphlet, Freecom, Responsibility and the State: Curbing Over-Mighty Government.
The authors, a group of newly elected MPs (2010 intake) will discuss their proposals for the direction of policy in which the powers of government, central and local, are reined in so that small businesses, the energy supply, the justice system, and training and support for young people can respond to the demands of a changing UK.
Attending the launch will be Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Zac Goldsmith MP and Martin Vickers MP and other contributors (see below) to introduce their proposals and discuss their implications for the future of the UK.
The launch will take place at 1pm (please note new time).
Lessons from History: Freedom, Aspiration and the New Curriculum
Robert Tombs
April 2012
England’s school history is in a sorry state. Not only has it become a ‘minority’ subject at GCSE; but even among those who do choose it, too many leave school without a grasp of the sweep of their country’s past. So argue Robert Tombs and his co-authors in Lessons from History: Freedom, Aspiration and the New Curriculum.
The system fails to teach a broad range of British, or for that matter, European, history. The same few topics tend to be repeated over and over again. GCSE history demands too much specialization, with little attention paid to chronology or the context of change over time.
Pupils know little, and understand less, of the background to fundamental concepts. The exam system fails pupils by placing too much emphasis on ‘skills’ over knowledge, and a convoluted and erratic mark scheme often leaves candidates and teachers demoralised.
Recession, Recovery and the State: Does a shrinking economy mean the state should grow?
Recession or Recovery: What Policies are Best for Business?
Politeia's 2012 economic series continued on 16th April, with Professor Vito Tanzi presenting Recession, Recovery and the State: Does a shrinking economy mean the state should grow?
Professor Tanzi’s lecture considered the role of the state in the current economic conditions, where many countries contend with high unemployment and low growth. The lecture revisited the policies of expansion proposed by some econmists and asked whether enthusiasm for Keynesian-style fiscal policy is justified by examining the key issues:
- How far are such policies likely to be effective or dangerous
- To what extent has Keynesian thinking contributed to the crisis?
The lecture considered the best course for governments given the circumstances of today's rapidly changing global economy, and examined their role in managing and promoting market efficiency.
Vito Tanzi’s recent book, Government versus Markets, the Changing
Economic Role of the State (Cambridge 2011) was published last year. He has served as Director of Fiscal Affairs at the IMF and as Undersecretary for Economy and Finance in the Italian government.
Divided We Stand - Scotland a Nation Once Again
Peter Fraser
March 2012
The Scottish question is now a matter of the highest politics north and south of the Border. But, says Politeia’s next pamphlet, Divided We Stand: Scotland a Nation Once Again?, current policy raises more questions than it answers. While the referendum on independence promised by Scotland’s ruling Scottish National Party is due in 2014, Westminster, meanwhile, puts its faith in a new Scotland Bill giving greater powers to Scotland, but within the UK.
Markets or Nationalised Systems: What model is best for benefits and public services?
Recession or Recovery - What Policies are Best for Business?
On 14 March, Professor Dennis Snower, President of the Kiel Institute for World Economy, gave the second lecture Markets or Nationalised Systems: What model is best for benefits and public services? in Politeia’s 2012 Economic Series.
Professor Snower explored how government activities could be opened up to the markets and non-state providers to create new opportunities for growth. He considered:
- The impact of opening up public services in the UK to greater competition.
- How changes to the system for distributing public funds could be instrumental in accelerating growth.
- How the ‘individual social accounts’ model could be used to encourage business and voluntary sectors to provide services and respond to growing demand.
