The Development of National Integration and Politics in England under Thatcherism (1979-1990)

Author(s) : Gohar Ali Iftikhar, Dr. Muhammad Shafique

Abstract:

The paper aims to unfold the development of National Integration under Margaret Thatcher's leadership. National Integration has been considered a buttress of nationalism. It is a prerequisite for peace, political stability, and economic prosperity. National integration played a pivotal part in the progression of nation-building. However, it is a complex phenomenon and is always influenced and driven by indigenous cultural realities in every country or region. The present paper analyzes the key components of National Integration and their relation with the emergency of Thatcherism. Basically, it focuses on two components—first, the consolidation of nationalism, and second, political integration. The study explores to what extent these components lead to National Integration. It also emphasizes political actions, political policies, and intra-party policies, which channelized the Conservative Party's electoral success under Margaret Thatcher's leadership. Moreover, it ponders upon the bold critical decision taken by Ms Thatcher and the aftermaths of these decisions on the process of national integration. The study primarily necessitates an approach that is both descriptive and analytical, with a specific emphasis on the interpretation aspect. Therefore, to effectively convey the information, a methodology that combines description and analysis is employed to provide a comprehensive account.