During the last two years, social democratic parties have been elected to government in Britain, France, and Germany. They now control government on their own, or in coalition with other left-leaning parties, in thirteen of the fifteen states of the European Union.

Political scientist Peter Russell has brought together ten former leaders of social democratic parties and governments from North America, Central America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to express their views on the agenda of social democracy for the next century. Whatever the trends in political fortune, one thing remains consistent: the left's capacity for critical self-reflection. With realistic optimism the essayists pose tough questions about the existing market economy and the movement towards globalization. They challenge neoliberalism's absolute faith in market solutions and present a strong case for humane public intervention to ensure that increases in wealth are directed to fulfilling the highest potential for all humankind. This book should prove stimulating for readers of all political faiths.