Martin J. Smith – författare

In an era of fiscal constraint, rising public demand, and fragmented governance, the UK's approach to public spending is under unprecedented strain. At the centre of this system sits HM Treasury, long regarded as the most powerful department in British government yet questioned for its ability to deliver effective financial control in an increasingly complex and fragmented policy landscape.This book offers a bold and timely reassessment of the Treasury's role in shaping the UK's public finances over the last thirty years. Drawing on over 150 interviews with senior officials, policymakers, and frontline practitioners, it reveals how the Treasury's traditional model of top-down control has failed to adapt to the realities of modern governance over the last three decades. Through detailed case studies of prisons, special educational needs, and homelessness, the authors expose the systemic consequences of short-termism, siloed budgeting, inadequate evaluation, centralised performance budgeting, and accountability deficits that undermine both fiscal sustainability and public service outcomes.

Forty years ago, central government was seen as the key actor in the making of public policy. Today, it is often portrayed as a parochial council, impotent in the face of uncontrollable global forces. This textbook examines the changes that have taken place in the way central government controls policy making.Taking the shift from government to governance as its theme, the book explores a series of key issues: the New Right reforms of the state; the impact of Europeanization, internationalization and globalization; and most recently, the process of devolution under the Blair Labour government. The book includes a series of policy making case studies throughout, drawing on the authors' own wide-ranging interviews with ministers, civil servants and interest groups, providing the reader with solid empirical material with which to illuminate the chapters.

Quangos are now a permanent layer of governance in Britain. The book advances and clarifies this complex debate by examining the British reform debate in an international context, and blends theoretical analysis with illuminating case studies from Quango Chief Executives and concrete proposals for reform.

The study of central government has been dominated by the recurring questions of Prime Ministerial versus Cabinet government and civil service versus ministerial power. Using the idea of 'power dependence' this book challenges these simplicities to provide a definitive assessment of - and introduction to - power and policy at the core of British political life. It undermines traditional approaches by demonstrating that power in the core executive is complex, and flows between actors and institutions. The Prime Minister can only exercise power with the support of the Cabinet, and ministers and officials are often partners rather than competitors.

Contemporary British Conservatism brings together a set of specially-commissioned chapters by leading authorities to provide a broad-ranging assessment of Conservative politics, policy and ideology today. A central concern throughout is to assess the impact of Thatcherism on the party and the extent to which there has been a return to more traditional Conservatism under John Major.

In this important new text, Martin Smith reassesses traditional debates about power and how they understand the nature and impact of the state. He develops an analysis of the new forms of state power that have developed in response to the perceived challenges of globalization and governance.

In this important new text, Martin Smith reassesses traditional debates about power and how they understand the nature and impact of the state. He develops an analysis of the new forms of state power that have developed in response to the perceived challenges of globalization and governance.

First published in 1992. In the 1992 General Election the Labour Party presented a substantial changed programme to the electorate. This book presents an analysis of the fundamental changes to Labour policy which occurred during the 1980s. It examines in detail the ideological and political context of the Policy Review undertaken by the Party following its third consecutive electoral defeat in 1987. It also traces changes in Party organisation and analyses Party members’ views of the new policies.

First published in 1992. In the 1992 General Election the Labour Party presented a substantial changed programme to the electorate. This book presents an analysis of the fundamental changes to Labour policy which occurred during the 1980s. It examines in detail the ideological and political context of the Policy Review undertaken by the Party following its third consecutive electoral defeat in 1987. It also traces changes in Party organisation and analyses Party members’ views of the new policies.

This follow-up volume to the same editors' highly-acclaimed New Labour in Government provides a systematic assessment of Blair's first term and the continuities and changes into his second. Bringing together specially-commissioned chapters by leading authorities in a tightly-edited format, it places particular emphasis on the evolution of New Labour's political performance, policy and statecraft set in its historical, ideological and organizational context.

This follow-up volume to the same editors' highly-acclaimed New Labour in Government provides a systematic assessment of Blair's first term and the continuities and changes into his second. Bringing together specially-commissioned chapters by leading authorities in a tightly-edited format, it places particular emphasis on the evolution of New Labour's political performance, policy and statecraft set in its historical, ideological and organizational context.

Discover the Weird, Weird WestFor more than thirty years, journalist and author Martin J. Smith traveled the American West, chasing offbeat stories that were often bizarre, always compelling, and at times profound. His journey through that oft-idealized and misunderstood landscape has made him a witness to some of the West’s most interesting places, people, and events, from his Valentine’s Day at Nevada’s Mustang Ranch brothel to the deathbed of a man who spent three decades building two 150-ton concrete dinosaurs in the desert. This collection of essays, often told with the wisdom and perspective of a writer looking back, chronicles in vivid detail the heroes, heels, and cultural spasms of an endlessly fascinating frontier.

"A page-turner with a kicker at the end—you can’t ask for anything better. Intricately plotted and full of character, this one is a great ride that burns with the intensity of a California wildfire."—Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times bestseller The dry season has hit the Inland Empire of California, depleting the ponds and revealing the muddy grave of Paul Dwyer. From his mansion on the hill, Dwyer lorded over Los Colmas, a small town that he aspired to make big by building mansions for wealthy LA commuters. Some viewed him as a savior, providing construction jobs for locals. Others believed he was ruining their beautiful, close-knit town. But who was angry enough to murder him?Local cop Ron Starke is overwhelmed by the list of suspects and plagued by a difficult captain who is demanding results. Starke investigates Paul Dwyer's dirty money and handshake deals gone wrong, but the name at the top of the suspect list is the most intriguing, and chilling.The developer wasn't the only one with secrets; his widow Shelby has kept her own for decades, none more harrowing than the horrific abuse she and her daughter endured at the hands of Dwyer. And none more volatile than what she knows but must hide about Paul's murder.As the season’s wildfires intensify to historic levels and surge towards Los Colmas, Starke must discover who killed Dwyer before all the evidence burnsand the whole town is erased."Combustion is exactly what I love in a mystery—fast as a bullet and bristling with suspense. Part Hitchcock, part 'Law and Order,' all terrific."—T. Jefferson Parker, New York Times bestselling author of The Room of White Fire

This book will examine at individuals who control, intimate, and manipulate in work, home, family, and social environments, using robust Psychological theory to comprehend and successfully tackle those who exhibit these behaviours.

This book will examine at individuals who control, intimate, and manipulate in work, home, family, and social environments, using robust Psychological theory to comprehend and successfully tackle those who exhibit these behaviours. The focus of this book will be to look at general Personality theory together with more specific focus on the Dark Triad of personality traits and, from the Five Factor Model, the domain of Agreeableness vs Antagonism. This approach will build a greater understanding of a much broader form of controlling intimidating and manipulative personality type. The book will include both useable techniques as well as self-reflection exercises the reader can use or pass on to students, clients and service users. This book is based on a programme the author has been teaching for over twelve years to a range of audiences across a variety of roles and has also been highlighted frequently in the press over the past decade.

This book is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the complex dynamics of manipulative behaviour, whether in the workplace, at home, or in social settings. It offers practical insights and guidance for HR professionals, managers, supervisors, therapists, health, social care workers and service users who encounter individuals who lie, deceive, cheat, control, or manipulate, as well as those who have been harmed by such behaviour.Drawing on real-world scenarios and psychological principles, the book explores how these behaviours impact personal identity, emotional wellbeing, and professional relationships. It empowers readers to recognize toxic patterns, regain control, and support others in doing the same, be they colleagues, clients, friends, or family members. With an accessible approach, this book speaks to the many who have experienced or witnessed manipulative behaviour and are seeking clarity, resilience, and recovery. It’s not just a guide - it’s a lifeline for reclaiming autonomy and fostering healthier, more authentic connections.