Internationale Politikanalyse International Policy Analysis What Future Role for the State? Peter Bofinger, Erhard Eppler, Andrew Gamble, Anatol Lieven, David Marquand, Thomas Meyer, Donald Sassoon, Gesine Schwan, Wolfgang Thierse and Polly Toynbee identify recurring themes and offer new perspectives for change. „ All over the world, government action is needed to prevent the inter­national financial system from total collapse and to mitigate the effects of a global recession. With the failure of laissez-faire politics, a re-assessment of the role of the state is on top of the agenda. „ Market forces as championed by neoliberalism have failed. In defining the future role of the state, where shall the new line between the private and the public sphere be drawn? Which functions should it fulfil and which should be left to market forces – particularly with the aim to guarantee social and economic stability? „ What is needed are new ways of thinking and a new political frame­work which sets the conditions for socially sustainable policies, while en­suring the functioning of a more responsible market. FEBRUARY 2009