Britain in fragments

Satnam Virdee is Professor of Sociology at the University of GlasgowBrendan McGeever is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Birkbeck, University of London

• Introduction1 A flawed democracy2 The underside of the welfare state3 Anti-racism, socialist utopias and neoliberal reaction4 New Labour and remaking class5 Austerity, Scottish independence, BrexitConclusion: amid the ruinsBibliographyIndex

'A brilliantly readable and historically astute account of the point of collapse at which the entity called "Britain" finds itself today. Virdee and McGeever offer us a pithy and compelling story of where we are, how we got here and how it may yet be possible to rediscover the emancipatory impulses that will set us free from this quagmire.'Priyamvada Gopal, Professor of Postcolonial Studies, University of Cambridge, and author of Insurgent Empire'A truly brilliant razor-sharp analysis of how political and capitalist elites destroyed the promise of British democracy by systematically dividing the post-imperial multi-ethnic working classes. Our only hope, as this book concludes, resides in radical collective action against resurgent nationalisms and the forces of capitalist exploitation.' Imogen Tyler, Professor of Sociology, Lancaster University'This is a book about the falling apart of modern Britain. But it is not a typical treatise on Brexit. Utilising their joint expertise on class, race and nationalism, Virdee and McGeever dare to weave a narrative of multiple fragmentations: imperial, devolutional and regional. Their bold argument diagnoses the current fragility of democracy with unusual clarity. It is essential reading for all who wish to build a deeper and more meaningful democratic settlement.'Robbie Shilliam, Professor of International Relations, Johns Hopkins University'Why is Britain fragmenting? This is the provocative question that lies at the heart of this book. It provides a reasoned and insightful exploration of the reasons that have led to the present situation with its recurrent uncertainties, both politically and socially. It is a must-read for all those who are trying to make sense of how we have got here and fear where we may be going.'John Solomos, Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick