Micropolitics

In this book Madsen Pirie suggests that there is a 'micropolitics' just as there is a microeconomics. Whereas a microeconomics considers the behaviour of individuals and groups in economic markets, micropolitics looks at it in political markets. Thus Madsen Pirie suggests that while politicians may talk about taking action at the macro level when they advocate changes in the structure of industry or social services, they find it difficult to succeed. The will of the government is not enough to override vested interests. However the politician who operates at the micro level and the author suggests both Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan belong to this number – sets out to create policies which alter the choices that people make by altering the circumstances. Implicit in the thinking of those who follow the principles of micropolitics is the assumption that group interests count for more than ideologies. Public Choice Theory has shown the limits of government. Its creative counterpart is micropolitics, which shows how the choices made by individuals can cumulatively build a new reality.