Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores anomalous situation and the political-ideological processes-labeled "consensus politics"—by which it is maintained. It shows that both radical and establishment explanations of the phenomena depend upon a common element—economic growth. The book argues that economic growth underpins the operation of consensus politics and thereby insulates the economic system from structural criticism. It explores debates over no-growth and slow-growth hypotheses. The major theme is to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the contending arguments in light of the three central variables in the debate: politics, technology, and time. The book examines possible consequences of economic slow-down on political behavior. The forces maintaining stability, the foundations of the past, must be understood in order to anticipate the changed shape of the future.