New Labour: New Christian Democracy?

The rise of New Labour and its associated politics of the 'third way' is undoubtedly one of the most talked about political phenomena of the past decade. Few, though, can agree on just what it is they are talking about. Some argue it represents a truly novel and distinctive centre-left approach - a form of social democracy designed to cope with the 'realities' of modern politics. Others see it as a largely rhetorical construct: a set of soundbites designed to disguise either a return to traditional social democratic eclecticism or, more commonly, a historic capitulation to neo-liberalism and globalisation. There seems little hope for a conclusive end to this debate in the near future. Certainly, anyone hoping that Labour's second term will serve to settle the question once and for all would be well advised not to hold their breath.