Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who led the U.K. from 1997 to 2007, has been out of the corridors of power for 17 years. Despite his long absence from the day-to-day grind of politics, Blair remains a prominent figure in political discourse. His views on leadership, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolving landscape of the Labour Party reveal a deep engagement with both current affairs and enduring principles.
Lessons beyond power
Blair’s later years as prime minister have seen a significant shift in focus. While his tenure was characterised by political reforms and policy innovations, new insights have been gained during his time away. The former prime minister believes his understanding of governance and leadership has evolved substantially since leaving Number 10. One key lesson he has learned from recent revolutions in behavioural economics and neuroscience is that our biases and past experiences have a profound impact on how we interpret new information. Inevitably, we often frame the new in terms of the old, a reality that shapes both our personal attitudes and our political strategies.
This insight comes across clearly when Blair’s tenure is compared to the present day. The recent election of Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, after more than a decade of Conservative rule, naturally invites comparisons to Blair’s time in power, particularly the pivotal election of 1997, which marked the beginning of New Labour.
A changing era
Blair acknowledges that while both he and Starmer share backgrounds in law and have pitted themselves against the traditional left of the Labour Party, the context of their leadership is quite different. Blair reflected that the mood in 1997 was full of optimism as the country approached the turn of the millennium. In contrast, he describes the current environment as “more worrying”, in which Britain is struggling with economic stagnation and a cycle of rising costs and taxes, leading to less favourable outcomes for many people.
Blair’s tenure saw a sense of forward momentum and change. Today, the political landscape is shaped by ongoing economic challenges and social uncertainties, which affect the nature of leadership and policy-making.
The Dynamics of Leadership
Blair’s new book, On Leadership, discusses in depth his main arguments about governance. He argues that effective leadership is crucial to a country’s success, emphasising that stability and long-term decision-making are essential to tackle the complex challenges facing nations today. Reflecting on his tenure, Blair notes that Britain has been led by only three prime ministers in 28 years. In contrast, Britain has seen six prime ministers in just eight years. He argues that this change disrupts continuity and impedes the effectiveness of governance.
Blair’s views on leadership extend to the current political climate, where he sees the potential of new technologies, particularly AI, to reshape society. His optimism about the technology revolution stands in contrast to the more cautious or sceptical attitudes that sometimes dominate discussions about AI.
Embracing the technology revolution
Blair is a staunch supporter of the transformative power of AI. He believes we are on the verge of a technological revolution that will have a profound impact on every aspect of life. His think tank, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, focuses on how governments can use these technological advancements to drive progress.
One of the key policy recommendations of Blair’s institute is the implementation of a digital ID system. His earlier attempts to introduce ID cards during Blair’s prime ministership were met with resistance, but there is now renewed interest in the idea. Blair argues that as our lives become increasingly digital, a secure and controlled digital identity can provide significant benefits in managing data and improving public services.
Despite occasional criticisms that his technology-focused discussions are too abstract, Blair’s institute offers practical advice on how to integrate technology into governance and policy. It aims to ensure that countries can effectively navigate and benefit from rapid advances in technology.
Views on Britain’s global role
Blair’s views extend beyond domestic politics to Britain’s role on the global stage. When asked about Britain’s position compared to 20 years ago, Blair acknowledged a decline in influence. He attributes this to a number of factors, including Brexit, which he sees as a major turning point in the country’s global position. Blair advocates rebuilding Britain’s defence capabilities and re-evaluating its role in international affairs to address the changing global landscape.
Blair’s foreign policy during his tenure was built on three pillars: a strong alliance with the United States, a prominent role in Europe, and a strong international presence through domestic affairs.