Abstract

The global economic crisis has catalysed debates about the merits of capitalism as a system for organizing production, distribution and exchange. Political elites have argued that capitalism is not fundamentally pernicious or crisis-prone and can be successfully reformed with the right set of policies. Conversely, many have argued that a wholesale change of attitude towards the status and creation of wealth in contemporary society is required if crises of this kind are to be prevented in the future. In Capitalism and Its Alternatives, Chris Rogers provides a critical introduction to theories of capitalism and to the forms of its crises in historical and contemporary contexts, as well as reflecting on the practice of anti-capitalism and the ways that economic and social relations are shaped, reshaped and resisted. Crucially, the book asks two key questions: What alternatives to capitalism exist? And by what processes and through what institutions might they be achieved?
Chris Rogers is Associate Professor of Political Economy and Public Policy at University of Warwick. His first book, The IMF and European Economies: Crisis and Conditionality, was published in 2012.
'The ideas are clearly developed and there is an especially well-written section on the four economic analyses of capitalism. This is a short book covering a wide compass...good as an introduction.' Political Studies Review 'Through lucid argumentation and examples drawn from cooperative and occupy movements past and present, Capitalism and Its Alternatives demonstrates that a non-capitalist world is not a utopia, but a reality already in the making. Scholars and activists will find it a useful introduction to the contemporary debates in the anti-capitalist movement, but this book's clear exposition and cogent prose guarantee it will appeal to a broader public.' Silvia Federici, feminist activist and author of Revolution at Point Zero 'This is an exceptional book. It is clear and fresh and covers a range of approaches often neglected in discussions of this topic. It is an excellent critical introduction to the most important question in the world.' John Holloway, Professor of Sociology and author of Crack Capitalism 'Critically reviewing the crisis-ridden track record of contemporary capitalism, this book comprehensively explores (among others) libertarian, socialist and communist alternatives. Essential reading for anyone looking for a cogent analysis of the flaws of capitalism and the prospects for transcending it.' Alfredo Saad Filho, Professor of Political Economy, SOAS, University of London 'This is a very interesting book; it is also a very important book. We live in an age where hope is in relatively short supply, because the political space to think about how things might be different has been seriously squeezed. In what is a must-read contribution to the literature, Chris Rogers provides us with crucial insights about strategies to reactivate that space.' Professor Matthew Watson, Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick 'Capitalism and Its Alternatives is an important and timely intervention in debates about the nature of capitalism and how to change it. It offers an account of capitalism's crisis tendencies that is both theoretically rich and widely accessible. It also presents a sophisticated argument about how to bring about alternative forms of social organization that avoids the romanticism of existing socialist alternatives. A powerful call to action!' Dr Adrienne Roberts, University of Manchester