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Radical centrism

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Radical centrism, also called the radical center, the radical centre, and the radical middle, is a concept that arose in Western nations in the late 20th century. The radical in the term refers to a willingness on the part of most radical centrists to call for fundamental reform of institutions.[1] The centrism refers to a belief that genuine solutions require realism and pragmatism, not just idealism and emotion.[2]

One radical centrist text defines radical centrism as "idealism without illusions",[3] a phrase originally from John F. Kennedy.[4] Radical centrists borrow ideas from the political left and the political right, often melding them.[5] Most support market economy-based solutions to social problems, with strong governmental oversight in the public interest.[6] There is support for increased global engagement and the growth of an empowered middle class in developing countries.[7] In the United States, many radical centrists work within the major political parties; they also support independent or third-party initiatives and candidacies.[8]

One common criticism of radical centrism is that its policies are only marginally different from conventional centrist policies.[9] Some observers see radical centrism as primarily a process of catalyzing dialogue and fresh thinking among polarized people and groups.[10]

  1. ^ Halstead, Ted; Lind, Michael (2001). The Radical Center: The Future of American Politics. New York City: Doubleday/Random House. p. 16. ISBN 978-0-385-50045-6.
  2. ^ Avlon, John (2004). Independent Nation: How the Vital Center Is Changing American Politics. New York City: Harmony Books/Random House. p. 2. ISBN 978-1-4000-5023-9.
  3. ^ Satin, Mark (2004). Radical Middle: The Politics We Need Now. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press/Basic Books. p. 5. ISBN 978-0-8133-4190-3.
  4. ^ Avlon (2004), p. 109.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Olson was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Miller, Matthew (2003). The Two Percent Solution: Fixing America's Problems in Ways Liberals and Conservatives Can Love. New York City: Public Affairs/Perseus Books Group. p. 71. ISBN 978-1-58648-158-2.
  7. ^ Halstead, Ted, ed. (2004). The Real State of the Union: From the Best Minds in America, Bold Solutions to the Problems Politicians Dare Not Address. New York City: Basic Books. pp. 13–19. ISBN 978-0-465-05052-9.
  8. ^ Avlon (2004), Part 4.
  9. ^ Marx, Greg (25 July 2011). "Tom Friedman's 'Radical' Wrongness". Columbia Journalism Review. New York City: Columbia University. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference Krattenmaker was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

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