The Centre Must Hold: Why Centrism is the Answer to Extremism and Polarisation

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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.

Centrism today is the radical approach to politics that drives forward progress and secures the foundations of liberal democracy. Far from being an arbitrary middle point between left and right, centrism offers a coherent set of political ideas, principles and approaches. 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. It is a form of politics that encourages moderation; embraces compromise not as a necessary evil but as a core principle; believes in pragmatism; and engages proactively with the competing tensions that exist in running a country today.

Drawing together politicians, thought leaders and social commentators, 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 policymaking, including former prime ministers, policy makers, ministers and leading journalists from across the world.

Reviews

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.Its quiet voice of reason needs to be heard loudly now above all! Anthony Seldon, author of Johnson at 10: The Inside Story

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 books 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

An important and timely contribution to one of the most significant debates of these troubled times. Alastair Campbell, author of But What Can I Do

In this age of unreason and extremism, this collection of essays provides a rallying cry against the siren calls of populism and offers hope of real solutions to the biggest challenges of our time. Wes Streeting, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

For those confused about choices across the spectrum, there is a magnificent primer: a new anthology of insightful essays, edited and collated by British-Israel political adviser Yair Zivan Zivans book offers an enticing solution to angry politics the world over together with the promise of that elusive thing, hope.Jewish News

The Centre Must Hold is a wise, important and timely book This book will stiffen the centrist spine, and remind the reader of the value of moderate answers and the role of the state in positively shaping our futures. Irish Times

Author Bio

The Centre Must Hold is collated and edited by Yair Zivan, who after growing up in UK returned to Israel and served as an advisor to the Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and President of his country.