1. The Third Way
Refers to various
political positions
which try to reconcile
right-wing and left-
wing politics by
advocating a varying
synthesis of right-wing
economic and left-
wing social policies.

2. Historical context
• Term first associated with
Italian dictator Benito
Mussolini.
• Mussolini's fascism was
marketed as a "Third Way"
between socialism and
capitalism. By instituting a
militaristic, expansionist
totalitarian state, Mussolini
aimed to revive the old glory
of the Roman Empire.

3. Third Way in the UK
• So, Democratic Socialism
would be an example of the
Third Way and Harold
McMillan in the 50s
described wanting to follow a
‘middle way’.
• However, in the past 20 years
the term has become more
associated with Tony Blair
and New Labour in the UK.
• Tried to find a centre ground
between Thatcherism and
Old Labour.
• Influenced by sociologist
Anthony Giddens.

4. Anthony Giddens
• Pluralism
• Dialogic democracy
• Self actualisation
• Going after ‘small wins’ –
community led initiatives
• Welfare to work
"There is no single agent, group or
movement that, as Marx's proletariat
was supposed to do, can carry the
 Beyond Left and Right (1994) hopes of humanity, but there are many
points of political engagement which
 The Third Way (1998) offer good cause for optimism".

5. Key Terms
• Communitarianism
• Stakeholder society
• Social Justice
• Equality of Opportunity
• Wealth Creation
• Meritocracy
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Pragmatic
• Welfare to Work