1st Edition
The Political Economy of Post-Capitalism Financialization, Globalization and Neofeudalism
Westra explores a nuanced literature on post-capitalism which claims that instead of constituting the end of history or ending in its supplanting by socialism, capitalism has transmuted into something else. Foci of this literature ranges from questions of financial system and technological change through evidence of shifting class contours metastasizing a more predatory constellation.
In exposing the dire consequences for humanity of capitalist unravelling, Westra remedies the lacunae of current writings which leave fundamental questions of what precisely capitalism is or was and the historical delimitations of capitalism unanswered. He not only critically analyzes the arguments over capitalisms passing under key rubrics of financialization, globalization, intangible assets and social class, but grounds determinations over the existence of capitalism in a novel synthetic definition of it drawn from Marx. While capitalism has always been an exploitative, asymmetric wealth distributive, alienating, class divisive, crises ridden society, Westra explains how current economic transmutations undermine what coherence capitalism had historically maintained.
This book, written in a clear and compelling fashion, is a clarion call for social change. It will be of interest to academics and students across fields of economics, political economy, economic history, political science and sociology as well as to progressive policymakers and social activists.
1 Introduction: Capitalism Always and Forever?
2 Capitalism as a Historically Delimited Society
3 Financialization
4 Globalization
5 Intangible Assets
6 Conclusion: Social Class
Biography
Richard Westra is University Professor at the University of Opole, Poland.
Westra’s main thesis could hardly be more provocative: the demise of the post-World War II economic order has not led to a new phase of capitalist development, but to a post-capitalism of on-going social disintegration and nascent authoritarian statism. Those resisting this stark conclusion will be tremendously challenged by Westra’s arguments, carefully developed in comprehensive critical examinations of “globalization,” “financialization,” and the rise of “intangible capital.” There is no reason to make things complicated: if you are concerned with humanity’s future, you should read this work. It is as simple as that.
- Tony Smith, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Iowa State University.
