Capitalism and Its Critics

Currently, as we grapple with pressing questions regarding the sustainability and ethics of our economic systems, "Capitalism and Its Critics" offers an intricate chronicle of global capitalism. This work spans from the era of colonialism and the Industrial Revolution to present-day challenges such as ecological crises and the rise of artificial intelligence. John Cassidy artfully narrates this history through the viewpoints of notable critics worldwide. The book features insights from eighteenth-century weavers who opposed early mechanization, explores Eric Williams's transformative analysis of slavery and capitalism, and delves into movements like the Latin American dependistas and the 1970s’ Wages for Housework campaign. It also discusses the modern degrowth movement. The narrative includes figures like Smith, Marx, Luxemburg, Keynes, and Polanyi, while also bringing to light lesser-known contributors like William Thompson, an Irish proto-socialist whose ideas influenced Marx; Flora Tristan, who advocated for a universal labor union in France; John Hobson, an early theorist of imperialism; and J. C. Kumarappa, a proponent of Gandhian economics in India. Through a mix of biography, broad historical analysis, and engaging examination of economic theories, the book sheds light on the foundational roots of many critical contemporary issues.