Blairite

A Blairite is someone who supports the policies and approach of Tony Blair, leader of the British Labour Party and, arguably, the centre of the most influental current in social democracy since Willy Brandt's ostpolitik.

Related Topics:
Tony Blair - British Labour Party - Social democracy - Willy Brandt - Ostpolitik

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In domestic British politics a Blairite might be seen as someone who supports both additional spending and substantial reform of the public services - a term that might (at least at one time) have been described as the politics of the third way. Often this is seen in contrast to the more traditional approach alleged to be favoured by Gordon Brown, Blair's Chancellor of the Exchequer. However, it is reasonable to assume that many of the alleged differences between the two men are about questions of tone rather than of substance - Brown is a firm supporter of the private finance initiative for instance.

Related Topics:
Third way - Gordon Brown - Chancellor of the Exchequer - Private finance initiative

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Internationally, Blairism can be seen as aggressively interventionist towards failed states and on questions of human rights and international terrorism. Blair either instigated or supported UK military involvement in Sierra Leone, Kosovo and Iraq - all of which, to greater or lesser extents, proved controversial in the UK istelf.

Related Topics:
Failed states - Human rights - International terrorism - Sierra Leone - Kosovo - Iraq

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In the party he leads, Labour, Blair will, if nothing else, be remembered as the man who led them to three successive victories in general elections. Blairism might also be described as a populist social democratic movement.

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