Political Circle
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"Markets work best with clear rules and strong enforcement"
At 1 o'clock, you combine enthusiasm for open markets with a firm belief in clear rules and robust enforcement. You trust businesses and entrepreneurs to deliver prosperity, but you're not a wild-west capitalist — you want a strong referee to stop fraud, cartels and shoddy practice.
You see the state's role as setting boundaries and policing them firmly, not running the show. Competition drives innovation and efficiency, but only if the playing field is level and the rules are enforced. You're sceptical of regulation for its own sake, but you won't tolerate corner-cutting or exploitation.
Your position at 1 o'clock tells us your direction, but how far you are from the centre tells us the strength of your convictions. The Political Circle recognises three levels:
"Markets work, but need sensible rules"
Close to centre, you favour markets and order but you're willing to compromise. You support strong legal frameworks and competition, but you'll accept some regulations when justified. You believe rules should be enforced firmly but fairly, with room for judgement. You're practical about balancing market freedom with social needs.
Historical example: Angela Merkel — balanced pro-market economics with strict rules and strong institutions.
"Strong enforcement makes markets work properly"
At medium distance, you have clear convictions about needing both markets and enforcement. You want vigorous competition law, tough anti-corruption measures and robust legal systems. You're less willing to compromise: markets need strong rules, and those rules must be enforced. Weak enforcement betrays both enterprise and justice.
Historical example: Theodore Roosevelt — the "trust-buster" who used government power to break monopolies and enforce fair competition.
"Markets require strong state enforcement — no exceptions"
Far from centre, you're uncompromising about both markets and order. You want capitalism with an iron fist: vigorous competition enforced by powerful state institutions. Corruption, cartels and fraud must be crushed ruthlessly. You favour decisive action over consultation, enforcement over flexibility. Strong government and free markets aren't opposites — they're necessities.
Historical example: Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore — combined free markets with authoritarian governance and zero tolerance for corruption.
UK Prime Minister (1979–1990)
Thatcher championed privatisation, competition and entrepreneurship, but with a firm hand. She broke up monopolies, deregulated markets and promoted property ownership — all whilst maintaining strong government authority and law enforcement. Her combination of free markets and decisive leadership defines the 1 o'clock position.
German Chancellor (2005–2021)
Merkel balanced pro-market economics with strict fiscal rules and strong institutions. She favoured competition, entrepreneurship and balanced budgets, but insisted on clear regulations and proper oversight. Her orderly, rules-based approach to market economics typifies the 1 o'clock blend of enterprise and enforcement.
26th US President
Roosevelt was a "trust-buster" who used government power to break up monopolies and enforce competition. He believed in capitalism but thought big corporations needed firm regulation to prevent abuse. His "Square Deal" philosophy — that government should ensure fair play in markets — is classic 1 o'clock thinking.
US Treasury Secretary and former Federal Reserve Chair
Yellen combines pro-market instincts with support for strong financial regulation after the 2008 crisis. She believes markets work best with clear rules, proper supervision and swift action against systemic risks. Her approach balances economic freedom with institutional safeguards.
West German Chancellor and architect of the "social market economy"
Erhard rebuilt Germany's economy after World War II through market liberalisation combined with strong competition law and social standards. His philosophy — free markets within a firm legal framework — helped create Germany's post-war economic miracle and embodies the 1 o'clock synthesis.
The new book, 'Beyond Left and Right: Understanding the Political Circle' is now available on Amazon.
Containing a wealth of information, the book explores all of the 12 philosophical positions with detailed analysis on each of the three levels.