Not since the 1940s has there been such uncertainty within and about Europe. Who can tell what the map will look like by the turn of the century? What will be the pattern of economic performance? And whose vision of the best way to run a society will prevail? "New Perspectives on the Welfare State" focuses on this last element of uncertainty. It examines the ideology of the welfare state and our present understanding of it, compares the welfare state in Europe with those elsewhere in the world, and investigates particular trends and prospects within and across Europe. The contributors, all prominent authorities in the field, including Deakin, Klein, Liebfried, Mishra and Rose, explore a variety of themes. They cover a wide range of topics, including the prospects for the British welfare state in Europe and the prospects for one in the EC; the trials of the "model" Swedish welfare state and the tribulations of former communist regimes in eastern Europe; and finally, the challenge of Confucianist welfare states from the Asian Pacific.

Not since the 1940s has there been such comprehensive scope for uncertainty within and about Europe. New Perspectives on the Welfare State in Europe offers an appraisal of comparative social policy and applies it to current uncertainties concerning European communities and European-North American and East Asian relationships. Including contributions from Deakin, Klein, Leibfried, Mishra and Rose the work should provide essential reading for students, researchers, lecturers and policy makers in social policy, politics and sociology.