The Retreat of the State Book

In this challenging work, four leading public figures seek to find the best balance between government control, individual freedom and business enterprise and in so doing, ask that age old question, "am I my brother's keeper?" As governments increasingly took over the work of churches and charities a century ago, now they are once again devolving many of their powers to the private sector. Who are the winners and losers in this and what can be done to bridge the ever-widening gulf between the world's wealthiest and poorest people? Nigel Lawson, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, explores the practical effects of liberating economics from the state; Arthur Seldon, Founder President of the Institute of Economic Affairs, looks at social welfare provision past, present and future; Michael Taylor, former Director of Christian Aid, examines the cultural and political divide between rich and poor nations; the former Foreign Secretary and international statesman, David Owen, asks why sovereign states have become so reluctant to intervene in international disputes; and finally, Stephen Platten, Dean of Norwich, reflects on the spiritual impulse which compels us to look beyond our own interests and seek a just, compassionate and generous society.Read More