The idea of finding a 'third way' in politics has become a focus ofdiscussion across the world. Political leaders, in the US, Europe,Asia and Latin America claim to be following its principles. Yetthe notion has also attracted much criticism. Some say it is anempty concept without any real content. Critics from the moretraditional left argue that it is a betrayal of left-wing ideals.Anthony Giddens's The Third Way (Polity Press, 1998) isregarded by many as the key text of third way politics. Translatedinto twenty-five languages, it has shaped the development of thethird way. In this new book Giddens responds to the critics, andfurther develops the ideas set out in his earlier volume. Far frombeing unable to deal with inequalities of wealth and power, heshows, third way politics offers the only feasible approach tothese issues. The work is indispensable for anyone who wants tounderstand the most important political debate going on today.Anthony Giddens is the Director of the London School of Economicsand Political Science. He is the author or editor of over thirtybooks. His previous works, especially Beyond Left and Right(Polity Press, 1994) have influenced debates about the future ofsocial democracy in many countries across the world. Frequentlyreferred to in the UK as Tony Blair's guru, Giddens has made astrong impact on the evolution of New Labour.