Biography

A British Social theorist, Anthony Giddens is the most widely-read and cited social theorist of his generation. His ideas have profoundly influenced the writing and teaching of sociology and social theory around the world. He gained a bachelor’s degree at Hull University before studying a Master’s degree at London School of Economics followed by a PhD at Cambridge University. He was Professor of Sociology in the University of Cambridge until 1997, when he became Director of the London School of Economics. In 2002 he was awarded the Prince of Asturias Prize for the social sciences, known as ‘the Spanish Nobel Prize’. He has been awarded 15 honorary degrees.

Among his 34 books are 'The Third Way: The Renewal of Social Democracy', 'The Third Way and It's Critics', and 'Runaway World : How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives'. There is a substantial body of academic writing and criticism about his work. He co-founded the academic publishing house Polity Press in 1985 and in 1999 was the BBC Reith Lecturer. He issues on average more than one book a year and his publications are translated into at least 29 languages.

Most recently he has been at the forefront of developing ideas in left of centre politics. He has helped to popularise the idea of the 'Third Way'. The Third Way represents the renewal of social democracy in a world where the views of the old left have become obsolete, while those of the new right are inadequate and contradictory. A new social democratic agenda is emerging that is integrated, robust and wide-ranging, which can also rekindle political idealism. Anthony Giddens has travelled to many countries around the world talking to political leaders and heads of state about the development of third way politics. Frequently referred to as Tony Blair's guru, Professor Giddens has made a strong impact on the evolution of New Labour.