Although communitarianism has a long history, it has only recently emerged to pose a major challenge to the traditional left-right divide in politics and the competing principles of individualism and collectivism. Communitarianism is the first comprehensive and accessible introduction to communitarianism's ideas and their implications for politics and citizenship. Drawing on a wide range of international examples and engaging with communitarianism's critics, Tam demonstrates clearly its relevance to the United States and the world.

This book deals with three key questions about communitarian ideas: how to distinguish what constitutes communitarian thinking; what lessons to take from the historical development of communitarian arguments; and why their practical implications are relevant in devising reforms at the local, national, and global levels. Each chapter covers a distinct period, with a critical exposition of the leading thinkers of that time who contributed to communitarian philosophy and politics. Beginning with an examination of the rise of proto-communitarian ideas in classical Western and Eastern thought, the book closes with a review of communitarian responses to the emergent social and technological changes in the 21st century. Readers will learn about the core features and significance of communitarian theories and practices in relation to morality, education, the economy, freedom and security, community development, and democratic governance; and how they compare and contrast with other ethical and intellectual outlooks.

Although communitarianism has a long history, it has only recently emerged to pose a major challenge to the traditional left-right divide in politics and the competing principles of individualism and collectivism. Communitarianism is the first comprehensive and accessible introduction to communitarianism's ideas and their implications for politics and citizenship. Drawing on a wide range of international examples and engaging with communitarianism's critics, Tam demonstrates clearly its relevance to the United States and the world.

This book deals with three key questions about communitarian ideas: how to distinguish what constitutes communitarian thinking; what lessons to take from the historical development of communitarian arguments; and why their practical implications are relevant in devising reforms at the local, national, and global levels. Each chapter covers a distinct period, with a critical exposition of the leading thinkers of that time who contributed to communitarian philosophy and politics. Beginning with an examination of the rise of proto-communitarian ideas in classical Western and Eastern thought, the book closes with a review of communitarian responses to the emergent social and technological changes in the 21st century. Readers will learn about the core features and significance of communitarian theories and practices in relation to morality, education, the economy, freedom and security, community development, and democratic governance; and how they compare and contrast with other ethical and intellectual outlooks.

To govern ourselves or not to? This is the existential question of politics. With the rise of distrust, alienation, and extremism, it is all the more difficult to secure democratic self-rule when neither those in power nor the general public seem dependable when it comes to making decisions that can transform our lives, for better or worse. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Henry Tam explores what should be done to revive democracy. Presenting in a clear and accessible manner, he goes beyond the familiar 'get the vote out' ideas, to set out 9 key areas where reforms are necessary to ensure we can govern ourselves more effectively. Against the suggestion that democracy has run its course, this book unpacks why democratic governance is indispensable and puts forward forty recommendations to help us avoid the twin threats of oppressive rule and debilitating chaos.

A political fable for the 21st century. A tale of power, deceit, and defiance, revolving around an abducted child's struggle to escape from a surreal world where nothing is quite what it seems. Vonnegut meets Orwell in a dark wonderland. "Dark, twisted, sardonic - 'Kuan's Wonderland' is an unmissable page-turner." - President, the Independent Publishers Guild (UK) "It is fast-paced while containing beautifully written and memorable passages. And the ending is tense, unexpected and powerful." - Ben Chu, 'The Independent' newspaper "'Kuan's Wonderland' is simply a tour de force. It is powerfully imaginative, with a cinematic feel sustained by strong imagery throughout. It is also full of plot surprises and layers of deeper meaning." - Ann Walker, Director for Education, WEA ..". a mesmerizing novel. It makes the imagination spring to life with amazing visions of strange beings and places." - Nicolette Burford, Director, Documentary Film-Makers Cooperative "The fast-moving adventure in a new world sparkles with visually captivating creatures and imaginative technology ... The ending is] astonishing." - Trish Burns, Fantasy Book Review "A didactic novel that doesn't hesitate to entertain the reader." - Kate Pickett, Director, the Equality Trust "We highly recommend it." - Julie Thorpe, Head of School & Youth Programmes, the Cooperative College ****** The mystery begins when Kuan is taken by force to the curious world of Shiyan. Although the ten-year old has flashes of exceptional intelligence, he hasn't a clue why he is being held captive. Kuan hopes his reclusive father will come to his rescue, not suspecting that both father and son may be the target of a nefarious conspiracy. It transpires that the secret he is supposed to be harbouring is liable to put him at the centre of a deadly conflict between those in control of Shiyan and their sworn enemies. In his attempt to escape from this bizarre realm, where the lower order routinely pledge to give more of their time to do the bidding of the ruling elite, Kuan encounters a kaleidoscope of enigmatic characters, from the menacing Curator to sphinx-like Dr Erica Lee, to whom the motherless boy develops a deep attachment. Eventually, Kuan is persuaded to take charge of his own fortune by seeking to rise through the Circles of Challenge. It may offer him his last chance to reunite with his father, or so he believes. Yet the more trials he endures, the more he learns the real reason why he was snatched from his home. What Kuan does next will determine not only the future of Shiyan, but his own world. In the end he has to face up to a painful secret from his past and fight for more than just his life. But can he survive uncovering the truth about his father?

When big corporations have taken control of the government, It's time for regime change. ***** The Consortium has brought America, which it practically owns through its corporate subsidiaries, back under the British Crown. In return, all it asks for is unfettered control over policy decisions in Whitehall. In this timid new world, nobody dares question the Consortium, and everybody is expected to carry out orders. But while many of his civil service colleagues jostle to be of the greatest service to their new political masters, Philip K. Rainsborough decides that enough is enough. He sets out to expose the Consortium's dark secrets. Unfortunately, the Consortium has on its side the Super Utility Network, the most advanced opinion manipulation technology in the world. And as life for most people sinks into chaos and misery, the Consortium remains as popular as ever by serving up gimmicks and endless scapegoats. To make things worse, a leading contender to become the top civil servant of the government is none other than his cold and calculating boss, who is poised to do anything to please the Prime Minister, and sabotage anyone who gets in the way of his promotion. Caught between the Consortium and subversives who want to overthrow the government, Rainsborough is desperate to find a way for a peaceful regime change. He is given a chance when Chief Supt Carrie Edel seeks his help in a murder case that may bring down the Prime Minister. But what is actually asked of him amounts to treason. In any event, even if he can pull it off, he suspects he won't live to tell the tale. ***** * "Henry Tam knows how government works, and how fragile democracy is. With his insider knowledge and surreal imagination, he has given us an extraordinary dystopian tale about corporate greed and political collusion." -Baroness Kay Andrews, former Government Minister. * "Half asleep, the UK is becoming an ever more elitist society, that has left fairness and common-sense behind; and this is all beginning to feel entirely normal. What we need is Henry Tam's absurdist vision of Whitehall to help wake us all up." -Dr. Simon Duffy, Director, Centre for Welfare Reform. * "Forget 'Yes, Minister' and 'The Thick of It'; if you want a sharp satirical look at life inside the corridors of power, read 'Whitehall through the Looking Glass' ... Tam's novel also has a serious message about the dire consequences when corporations take over the running of a government. It should be read by anyone interested in the state of our democracy." -Sonny Leong, Chief Executive, Civil Service College. * "This is a timely reminder of the dangers of the rapidly-accelerating corporatisation of our political and economic life. ... As the general election approaches, Tam's book is an important reminder of the risks of crude neoliberal ideology." -Frances O'Grady, General Secretary, TUC. * "Beautifully, deftly written, 'Whitehall through the Looking Glass' is dark and compelling reading. A deeply sobering wake up call to us all against the political complacency of our times." -Dame Jane Roberts, Chair, NLGN (New Local Government Network). * "Tam strips back the veil on a world dominated and decimated by a ruthless consortium. ... The narrative is all the more compelling because Tam's world is often as familiar as it is fantastical. ... It's a cautionary tale and a call to action, but also a gripping read." -Peter Bradley, Director, Speakers' Corner Trust. * "Although set in the future, the civil service lampooned in 'Whitehall through the Looking Glass' is instantly recognisable to anyone who's been part of it. Tam's novel paints a superb picture of how people can be governed, or rather manipulated, by unscrupulous politicians. Funny, alarming, and poignant." -Ellie Roy, former Crime Reduction Director, Home Office. * " A] novel that is both funny and scary in equal measure." -Toby Blume, Founder, the Archer Academy.