The social democracy project
Failed? Outdated? Pioneering?                    

Introductory words:
Markus Marterbauer, AK Vienna and Benedikt Kautsky Circle

It discusses:
Maria Maltschnig, Director of the Karl Renner Institute
Thomas Nowotny, lecturer in political science at the University of Vienna, author and diplomat

Moderation
Robert Misik, journalist and author

European social democracy was once carried to the top by the rising working class; in the early 1970s it was at the peak of political power. Since then, however, other guiding principles and goals have supplanted those of social democracy, gradually diminishing its influence. The attempts of social democratic parties to adapt to the new zeitgeist characterised by individualism, egoism, lack of solidarity and the pursuit of profit have even accelerated their decline. Entangled in political tactics, they have lost much of their former claim to shape the future.
The „revolutionary subject“ of a working class ready to fight is no longer the social basis of social democracy. But social democracy could now continue to unite very different social groups around an optimistic and realistic project for the future. It was successful in this between 1950 and 1980. The states characterised by social democracy were and are therefore better and more humane in the broadest sense. This success could be continued with new tools. No other broad political movement can offer this prospect.

Thomas Nowotny:
The social democracy project. Failed? Outdated? Pioneering?
Studienverlag, November 2016
ISBN 978-3-7065-5588-3; 24.90 € EUR

 in co-operation with the Karl Renner Institute