A discussion of recent research trends in British applied linguistics looks at the way in which social processes, sociology, anthropology, and media studies appear to have replaced pedagogy, linguistics, and psychology as major areas of investigation. In examining this trend, two models of literacy (autonomous and notional) are examined and extended to other branches of applied linguistics. A shift from autonomous to ideological is then traced as it relates to two relatively recent political processes: (1) a series of government initiatives in language education in the late 1980s, including a model of the English language for use in schools and development of a national curriculum, and (2) a more general redefinition and critique of liberalism. Four possible directions are envisioned for applied linguistics research in such an emerging political order, characterized by free market economics and cultural authoritarianism: service to the state; competition in the market; independent analysis and critique; and new social movements. Implications of these directions for applied linguistics in general, and for new Ph.D.'s in particular, are examined. (MSE)