In many ways the 20th century could be described as a socialist one.
Internationally parties using that label emerged gaining electoral strength, or in some cases,notably Russia, lead successful revolutions.
In Britain, Labour overtook a Liberal Party wracked by division and by 1945 they appeared totally dominant.But as the century ended the collapse of the regimes in Eastern Europe left socialism of the authoritarian variety totally discredited and the democratic socialist parties in the West struggling to define themselves.
Here Blair created New Labour, dropped Clause 4 and built a new philosophy that turned out to be ideologically hollow. A temporary rise in their electoral fortunes has now given way to what looks like another long period of opposition and the inevitable soul searching that goes with it. Their current current leadership election could even bring about a split.
The question is, can a Liberal Party take advantage of the current situation and make the 21st century a Liberal century?
I think we can, however it does mean learning from the mistakes of the past and positioning ourselves clearly as the progressive alternative to the Conservatives. That was historically the position of the Liberal Party and we need to get back there – not only because it is the right place to be, but also because it is electorally sensible.
In the majority of constituencies where we are electorally competitive, it is the Tories we are fighting, with Labour nowhere.
Being in coalition meant some of our progressive voters deserted us: now is the time to win them back.
We are at our best when we are fighting the forces of reaction and offering a clear choice to the British people. Let us do that in the coming years and make this a Liberal century.
* David Warren is a Lib Dem campaigner and a very small stakes gambler!