Julian Elfer
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
What is capitalism? Is capitalism the same everywhere? Is there an alternative?
The word "capitalism" is one that is heard and used frequently, but what is capitalism really all about, and what does it mean? This Very Short Introduction addresses questions such as, "what is capital?" before discussing the history and development of capitalism through several detailed case studies, ranging from the tulipomania of 17th century Holland, the Great Depression...
Author
Language
English
Description
In the current environment of suspicion towards the major technology companies as a result of concerns about their power and influence, it has become commonplace to talk of Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, or Netflix as the modern day version of the nineteenth-century trusts. In turn, the tech giants are vilified for a whole range of monopoly harms towards consumers, workers, and even the democratic process. In the US and the EU, antitrust...
Author
Language
English
Description
In 1776 Adam Smith (1723-90) wrote The Wealth of Nations, a book so foundational that it has led to him being called the "father of economics." Today he is associated with the promotion of self-interest, a defense of greed and a criticism of any governmental "interference" in market transactions which, if left to the "invisible hand," will produce prosperity and liberty. Yet if Smith is actually read these associations are more a caricature than a...