The Centre Must Hold: Why Centrism is the Answer to Extremism and Polarisation
By: Yair Zivan
Division in society. The spread of misinformation. The rise of extremism.
Centrism holds the answers.
In an age of complex global challenges, extremism and populism offer a simple but fatally flawed narrative to a public craving a sense of normalcy. There is another way. Centrism has proven itself not only the most effective antidote to their dangerous brand of politics but also as a successful way to lead countries.
Far from being an arbitrary middle point between left and right, centrism offers a coherent set of political ideas, principles and approaches – the importance of moderation and pragmatism; the embrace of complexity; the deep commitment to liberal democracy; the belief in equality of opportunity; and the belief that through balancing the tensions that exist in every nation we can make people’s lives better. It is about finding the most productive and effective balance between globalisation and local communities, civil rights and security, religion and democracy, free markets and protecting the weakest in society.
Drawing together politicians, thought leaders and social commentators – from Tony Blair to Michael Bloomberg, from Malcolm Turnbull to Kathryn Murdoch – The Centre Must Hold contains a series of essays from those who have led from the centre or made significant contributions to centrist thought and policy-making, including former prime ministers, policy makers, ministers and leading journalists from across the world.
Praise for The Centre Must Hold:
‘With a resurgence of the nationalist right in the world and a fading away of the populist left … this book is a timely call to action’ Lord Peter Mandelson
‘This book should be studied in every school across the globe’ Anthony Seldon, author of Johnson at 10: The Inside Story
‘A work of real breadth and hidden depths’ Ian Dunt, author of How Westminster Works
‘This book’s clear-eyed case for our cherished liberal values is urgently needed.’ The Right Honourable Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats
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‘With a resurgence of the nationalist right in the world and a fading away of the populist left, the centre ground has the opportunity and responsibility to reinvent itself for a new era. Will it do so? This book is a timely call to action’
- Lord Peter Mandelson -
‘With authoritarianism and extremism on the rise around the world, this book’s clear-eyed case for our cherished liberal values is urgently needed. Democracy, liberty, human rights and the rule of law are all under threat, but this book shows how critical they are. Its positive alternative to the destructive politics of fear and division offers something we all badly need today: hope.’
- The Right Honourable Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats -
‘A work of real breadth and hidden depths. One of the first lucid and complex assessments of a famously slippery word. This makes a very good case for what centrism is and where it might be going.’
- Ian Dunt, author of How Westminster Works -
‘This book should be studied in every school across the globe. It’s quiet voice of reason needs to be heard loudly now above all!’
- Anthony Seldon, author of Johnson at 10: The Inside Story