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The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism

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The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism

By: Martin Wolf
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Liberal democracy is in recession and authoritarianism is on the rise. The ties that ought to bind open markets to free and fair elections are being strained and spurned, even in democracy's notional heartlands. Around the world, powerful voices argue that capitalism is better without democracy; others that democracy is better without capitalism. This audiobook is a forceful rejoinder to both views, offering a deep and lucid assessment of why the marriage between capitalism and democracy has grown so strained and making clear why a divorce would be an almost unthinkable calamity.

Wolf argues that for all its recent failings—slowing growth and productivity, increasing inequality, widespread popular disillusion—democratic capitalism remains the best system and that citizenship is not just a slogan or a romantic idea; it's the only concept that can save us. This wise and rigorous exploration of the dynamic between democracy and capitalism shows us that our ideals and our interests not only should align—they must do so, for everyone's sake.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Martin Wolf (P)2023 Penguin Audio Economic History Economics Politics & Government Capitalism Socialism Taxation Economic Inequality

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Critic reviews

"Martin Wolf has been an incisive commentator on economics and politics for a long time. This book is an excellent and thought-provoking synthesis of his views on democratic capitalism and how to fix it." (Ben Bernanke, former chair of the Federal Reserve)

"Martin Wolf is one of the deepest thinkers of our times and his latest book is a must-read! He brilliantly analyzes the causes of current crisis of democratic capitalism and presents the reforms needed to successfully rejuvenate it. He rightly calls for a new alliance of reformed democratic capitalist states to protect global peace, inclusive prosperity and the planet against plutocratic populism and tyranny. Hopefully, his words will be carefully read and heeded." (Nouriel Roubini, Professor, New York University)

"Martin Wolf is a great humanist and a sharp analytical mind. He unfurls here a bracing indictment of democratic capitalism and an inspiring defense of it. To defend the values of freedom and dignity, democracy and capitalism must both be reformed. A necessary book - and a guide - for our times." (Daniel Ziblatt, Professsor, Harvard University and co-author of How Democracies Die)
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This book was extremely well narrated and written, but it is also a book of wishful thinking.
With Russia sabre rattling and China posing a massive threat to Taiwan and even India acting in a non-partisan way with Most of its neighbours and even Great Britain the outlook is bleak for content of this book.

I admire the writing of such a book, maybe if Russia, China, India the USA were sent a copy for Christmas it might sink into the leaders of those countries that we all need to do the right thing by each other, but, mainly do the right thing for this planet, as without it every one of us is doomed.

Until China, India, Russia and the USA start acting like world leaders in the race to curtail emissions it seems futile for the rest of us to try.

I started taking notes early on where I disagreed with Me Wolfe, but later on he contradicted himself so I didn't carry on. Wish I had, as towards the end I noticed a few contradictions. Ah! well

A book of a wishful utopian world

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The best overview of how the world we live in has come to exist. How we get out of this mess is anyone’s guess, but Wolf gives a good go at explaining where we might start.

Terrific and terrifying

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An authoritative voice with an exceptionally perceptive take on the (post-Trumpian) challenges currently facing liberal democracies. Let’s not take the status quo for granted!!

A Truly Eye-Opening Analysis

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Stunning piece of writing which makes it a scary read. Hits all the nails squarely on the head in my humble opinion. Identifies root causes when most people only seem to see symptoms.

Hits the nail on the head……

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The book sets out clearly the problems faced by the World in practical terms and a toolkit of possible solutions. It focuses on democratic capitalism, but in terms of win-win in interactions with other models. I wish that my young self could have read the book as a useful life guide!

Fabulous Book

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Well worth a read for anyone worried about the “democratic recession” and our destabilised world.

A tour de force

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This is a book that seem to come to the same conclusion that I came to,
Being white working class. I am not right wing Tory racist or a left wing communist .definitely not UKIP supporter.
I did not want to live in a united state of Europe. I watched the patrician class grab more of the country wealth.
Everything been sold off .

A book on capitalism that I can agree with.

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Smart arse anti-Trump fanatic, opinions without explanation. Dreadfull. Narration fast & boring lists of Wolf's opinions but no meat.

Bigotry

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Simply brilliant in pulling apart the complexity of so many overlapping issues. It will be a seminal book.

Simply brilliant

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Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in business, society and democracy. An insightful read for how citizens and leaders can build a better world. Lots of very tangible suggestions and ideas. Essential reading for anyone in a leadership role.

An important book for our times

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