Routledge Capitalism: The Basics

The global economy is dominated by a powerful set of established and emerging capitalisms, from the long-standing capitalist economies of the West to the rising economies of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. An understanding of capitalism is therefore fundamental to understanding the modern world. Capitalism: The Basics is an accessible introduction to a variety of capitalisms and explores key topics such as: the history of major capitalist economies; the central role played by both states and markets in the global economy; the impact of capitalism on wages, workers and welfare; approaches to the analysis of capitalism, and choices for capitalism’s future. Examining capitalism from both above and below, featuring a range of case studies from around the globe, and including a comprehensive glossary, this book is the ideal introduction for students studying capitalism. Review The reach of capitalism is increasing, impacting on more and more people. As recent events have shown, capitalism is a dynamic system prone to crises. David Coates has produced a concise, yet comprehensive account of capitalism, providing key insights into its origins, dynamism, consequences, and possible trajectory. It is an invaluable resource for all students of capitalism. Matthew Allen, Senior Lecturer in Organisation Studies, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester David Coates, one of the pre-eminent scholars of capitalism has produced in this introductory volume another compelling contribution to the debate. It will make an excellent starting point for new waves of scholars interrogating the nature of capitalism. The book is very coherently and cogently structured to achieve very effective coverage of all the key issues, topics and debates. More importantly it is written in a lively style bringing to bear a vast array of historical and comparative insights and examples to inform a lucid, reflective critical account of capitalism’s past, present and future. Ben Clift, Professor of Political Economy, Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick. Anyone looking to understand the basic tenets of capitalism, both from above and from below, should read this superb book. David Coates has written perhaps the best introduction to capitalism there is out there, and he has done so with panache and erudition. By tackling the history, the variety, and the consequences of capitalism in a truly balanced manner and with scholarly sophistication, Coates encourages his reader to chart capitalism's future. A whole new generation of students will greatly benefit and learn from Coates' insights and humanity. Matthias Matthijs, Assistant Professor of International Political Economy, Johns Hopkins University, SAIS. About the Author David Coates holds the chair in Anglo-American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, USA.