Abstract

This revised edition of ABCs is a lively and accessible introduction to modern political economy. Informed by the work of Marx, Veblen, Kalecki, Robinson, Minsky and other great political economists, Robin Hahnel provides the essential tools needed to understand economic issues today.

Dispelling myths about financial liberalisation, fiscal austerity, globalisation and free markets, ABCs offers a critical perspective on our present system and outlines clear alternatives for the future.

This second edition applies the analytical tools developed to help readers understand the origins of the financial crisis of 2007, the ensuing 'Great Recession', and why government policies in Europe and North America over the past six years have failed to improve matters for the majority of their citizens. The second edition also helps explain what is causing climate change and what will be required if it is to be resolved effectively and fairly.
'Lucidly written, comprehensive in coverage, based on expert understanding and insight'
Noam Chomsky
'Most economists worship the market, describing it as a fair, impersonal arbiter of efficiency. Robin Hahnel brilliantly debunks this religion, providing powerful explanations of market failures on both micro- and macroeconomic levels. He combines clear exposition and mathematical illustration with a compelling passion for progressive social change'
Nancy Folbre, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts
'A visionary book ahead of its time. In this second edition Robin Hahnel has done a masterful job analysing the momentous economic, social, political, and environmental events of the past decade and integrating his findings into the work. A stimulating, creative and important contribution to help us all answer the question: 'What is to be done?' in a bold, yet actionable way'
Gar Alperovitz, author of What Then Must We Do? and America Beyond Capitalism is Lionel R. Bauman Professor of Political Economy at the University of Maryland and Co-founder of the Democracy Collaborative
'Must our economic lives be dominated by greed and competition? Free market economists have long answered 'yes'. The ABCs of Political Economy shows that what they 'know' is not so. Robin Hahnel writes with clarity, originality, verve and a relentless moral passion'
Robert Pollin, Professor of Economics and Co-Director, Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts, Amherst