Books Like...

John Perkins' 'The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man' delves into the author's experiences as an economic hitman, pressuring presidents of poor countries into signing exorbitant contracts with major US construction companies, ultimately leading to financial and environmental exploitation. The book explores the aftermath of World War II, detailing how the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as global powers, initiating the Cold War and the birth of economic hitmen. Through specific examples like Ecuador and Panama, Perkins sheds light on the detrimental impact of capitalism and the manipulation of developing nations for economic gain.

'The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power' by Joel Bakan delves into the concept of corporations and their pursuit of profit above all else. Through a detailed analysis, Bakan exposes the unethical practices and motivations of corporations, showcasing how they prioritize financial gain over societal well-being. The writing style is insightful and methodically argued, providing in-depth examples and illustrations to support the premise that corporations operate as inhumane money-making machines. Bakan also discusses the legal background of corporations and the extreme consequences of their actions, highlighting the need for increased regulation and accountability.

'The New Corporation: How "Good" Corporations Are Bad for Democracy' by Joel Bakan delves into the far-reaching power of corporations and offers solutions to address the issues arising from their influence. Bakan provides an illuminating and concise account of the relationship between democratic citizens and corporate entities. He discusses the limitations of a company's willingness to do good due to its financial mandate, as well as the potential threats posed by the increasing corporate power to democratic institutions and governance.

'The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs. Private Sector Myths' by Mariana Mazzucato delves into the intricate relationship between the public and private sectors in fostering technological innovation. The book challenges prevailing notions about the role of government in innovation, highlighting the crucial contributions made by public funding to drive breakthroughs in various industries. Through detailed examples and statistical evidence, Mazzucato argues that the government plays a vital role in not only financing but also shaping the direction of innovation, ultimately debunking myths surrounding the innovation process.

'The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy' by Stephanie Kelton challenges conventional economic beliefs, arguing that governments do not need to tax their people for money and that deficits can be beneficial. Kelton explores the idea of optimizing economic systems for human development rather than exploitation and advocates for setting priorities based on human needs. delves into Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and its implications on government spending, monetary policy, and societal well-being.

'Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World' by Jason Hickel is a well-written exploration of challenging growthism ideologies and advocating for degrowth. It provides a concise introduction to the history of capitalism, the need for reducing material consumption, and transitioning to renewable energy. The author presents a compelling case for shifting from perpetual growth to a regenerative ecological economics story, emphasizing balance, biodiversity, and community values.

In "Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty," authors Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo delve into the complexities of poverty by examining the lives of individuals living below the poverty line. Through their experiences with the Poverty Action Group, outcomes of Randomised Control Tests (RCTs), and personal research, they explore how the poor make decisions regarding crucial aspects like hunger, health, education, and family planning. The authors argue that poverty is a multifaceted issue that cannot be solved by a single action plan or ideology, emphasizing the need to evaluate each problem individually for effective poverty alleviation strategies.

The book challenges common assumptions about poverty by discussing how government intervention, private charity, and the free market each have limitations in addressing the root causes of poverty. Banerjee and Duflo highlight the importance of understanding the decision-making processes of the poor, advocating for evidence-based interventions and a nuanced approach to tackling poverty that considers the unique circumstances of individuals.

In 'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World', author Anand Giridharadas critically examines the actions of the global elite who claim to be making positive changes in the world. He challenges the notion that the wealthy can solve social problems that they themselves have contributed to, shedding light on the superficiality of their efforts and the need for structural, collective solutions. Giridharadas argues that true social change must come from organic movements, elected leaders, and legislation, rather than being led by the elites who often prioritize profit and self-enrichment over meaningful progress.

'How Asia Works: Success and Failure in the World's Most Dynamic Region' by Joe Studwell is a detailed exploration of the economic development of various Asian countries, focusing on the strategies employed by nations like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China to achieve prosperity. The book delves into the importance of land reform, manufacturing development, and financial systems in driving economic growth. Studwell compares and contrasts the success stories of North East Asian economies with the less impressive gains made by South East Asian countries, providing insights into the key interventions governments can utilize to accelerate economic development.

The book is written in an expert manner, offering a comprehensive analysis of historical events and economic policies that have shaped Asia's economic landscape. Studwell's writing style is described as informative, insightful, and coherent, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the economic strategies that have propelled certain Asian nations towards success while highlighting the challenges faced by others in achieving similar levels of development.

"Capitalism and Freedom" by Milton Friedman, first written in 1962, is a thought-provoking exploration of economic capitalism in a liberal society. Friedman discusses the importance of freedom, the individual's role in society, decentralized government, and voluntary cooperation in a business environment. He presents arguments on various topics such as government intervention, the control of money, international trade, licensing, social welfare, and poverty, highlighting the ineffectiveness of typical government measures. contains historical examples and observations, emphasizing the value of freedom for individuals to prosper and achieve better outcomes.