In his essay “The end of laissez-faire”, Keynes distinguished between the agenda and the non-agenda of government. This book asks how we interpret that distinction today. A ground-breaking collection concerned with rethinking the contemporary role of the state. Comprises essays written by leading scholars and politicians. Looks back at the expansion of the social democratic state in post-war Britain, and at the subsequent challenge to this from neo-liberal ideas and policies. Discusses new doctrines for managing the state, new conceptions of the state, and new ideas for organising the delivery of public services. Covers current concepts, such as the enabling state, and topical issues such as public private partnerships. Goes beyond traditional ‘state versus market’ arguments. Opens up new conceptual and practical territory.