ABSTRACT
An interpretive approach to political science conceives of its objects of inquiry as contingent practices. These practices are the products of the actions, and so beliefs, of the relevant actors. We can explain beliefs, actions, and practices by reference to traditions and problems. This interpretive approach informs the ensuing study of New Labour. In broad terms, New Labour will appear as a response from within the tradition of social democracy to issues made salient by the New Right. Yet we need to invoke different issues and different features of social democracy depending on the particular aspects of New Labour we are trying to explain.
