Capitalism

Having fended off challenges throughout the twentieth century, capitalism has proved itself not only the dominant economic system in the world, but also one of our greatest political and social drivers. But what is it? This introduction gives the arguments for and against and examines all the forms it has taken. Capitalismbegins by looking at the approaches to, and debates about, capitalism as both an abstract idea and an historical process. It then outlines capitalist theory using the arguments of key thinkers who represent different sides of the debate. A section on capitalism in the Twentieth Century looks at the origins of capitalism and the different capitalist systems that have developed around the globe. The book finishes with a look at the recent growth of global capitalism.

Part I: Introduction 1. How to Think About Capitalism Part II: Theories of Capitalism 2. Capitalism as a System: Natural and Free 3. Capitalism as a System: Unjust and Unstable Part III: Capitalism in the Twentieth Century 4. Empire and Crises 1870-1945 5. Post-1945 Capitalism: Variations Across Countries 6. Post-1945 Capitalism: Variations Over Time Part IV: Contemporary Capitalism 7. Global Capitalism