Blair's "The Third Way"

In the modern times, reform is the driving force of social development, but it's also an important means of self-improvement to promote the social system. "The Third Way" rising in Europe in 1990s, as a theory or a thought of rebuilding social democracy, which is an inevitable result for all Parties to seek survival and development. After Tony Blair became the leader of the British Labor Party in 1992, he tried to promote "The Third Way" and publicly declared that "The Third Way" is his political philosophy. Blair came to power in 1997, according to political programs and basic ideas of "The Third Way", he made comprehensive reform in all aspects including economic, politic, education, social welfare and foreign policy in order to build a strong and vibrant new Britain and new international order. During his 10 years' power, he made British economic grow steadily, and made outstanding achievements in all fields which reflected the social values of his political philosophy and basic ideas. Blair's "The Third Way" also has a broad and far-reaching impact in Western Europe and Northern America. At the same time, Blair's limitations and serious mistakes in diplomatic and internal affairs led to his resignation at last. As his resignation, whether his advocated "The Third Way" means to end will also become a focus attention.This paper used the basic ideas and methods of Marxism, and made a systematic research about the basic ideas, social values, political philosophy of "The Third Way" as well as the achievements and limitations of his 10 years' power. The writer pointed that Blair's concerns about social justice and vulnerable groups, his attention of responsibility and rights, and his advocating about "Give priority to efficiency, give consideration to fairness", which has an important reference and enlighten for exploring the road of Chinese characteristic socialism.The first part briefly introduces the life of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and analyzed the political views, the features and the substance of "The Third Way". According to the traditional values of Western Europe social democracy, the second part expounded that how Blair did to establish and explain the core values of "The Third Way" on the bases of inheriting the traditional values. The third part discussed Blair's policies and practices during the 10 years of his "The Third Way"administration under the guidance of the values of "The Third Way", and analyzed his contributions and limitations. The fourth part analyzed its inspiration for China from Blair's governing philosophy, political agenda, and philosophy of value, so that it will provide good ideas for developing Chinese characteristic socialism, and promote the healthy and stable development in all aspects.