Modern Government

1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-37258-5
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 246 Seiten, Format (B × H): 138 mm x 216 mm

Reihe: Routledge Revivals

Modern Government (originally published in 1936) is a critique of the rapid expansion of state intervention and bureaucracy in Britain during the interwar period. The early 20th century was a crucial period in the making of the modern British state, when its fundamental contours were moulded by conflict and great-power competition. Known for his strong laissez-faire views, the author argues that the growing involvement of the state in economic and social affairs is harmful to individual liberty and national prosperity. The key themes the book addresses are: Anti-Bureaucracy: Benn presents the government as a "busybody in other men's matters," arguing that state officials lack the expertise and incentive to manage industry or social matters efficiently; Defense of Capitalism: Written after his transition from a believer in state intervention to a staunch supporter of free markets, the book argues that private enterprise is superior to state planning; The Cost of "Progress": Benn highlights the financial and social costs of an expanding bureaucracy, warning against the long-term dangers of political control over the economy.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate and Undergraduate Advanced

Autoren/Hrsg.

Benn, Ernest J. P.

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Current Affairs
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Wirtschaftspolitik, politische Ökonomie
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Europäische Geschichte

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Part 1: Government as a Subject 1. Introduction 2. The Lure of Public Life 3. Youth’s Opportunity – Old and New 4. Demands Upon Government 5. The Twin Forces: Enterprise and Order 6. Public Opinion in the Mass 7. Trouble 8. Otherness 9. The Nature of Obedience Part 2: Bureaucracy 10. Public Officials 11. ‘Prepared to Allow’ 12. The Seamy Side of Government Part 3: Cause and Effect 13. The Uttermost Farthing 14. A Price for Everything 15. The Restraint of Trade 16. Public Debts Part 4: Retrospect and Prospect 17. Political Housing and Real Building 18. The Industrial Revolution 19. The League of Nations 20. Politics and the Churches.

Über Autor(innen)

Ernest J. P. Benn (1875–1954) was a British publisher, writer and political publicist.