Capitalism is the only complex system known to us that can providean efficient and innovative economy, but the financial crisis hasbrought out the pernicious side of capitalism and shown that itremains dependent on the state to rescue it from its owndeficiencies. Can capitalism be reshaped so that it is fit forsociety, or must we acquiesce to the neoliberal view that societywill be at its best when markets are given free rein in all areasof life?
The aim of this book is to show that the acceptance of capitalismand the market does not require us to accept the full neoliberalagenda of unrestrained markets, insecurity in our working lives,and neglect of the environment and of public services. Inparticular, it should not mean supporting the growing dominance ofpublic life by corporate wealth. The world's most successfulmature economies are those that fully embrace both the disciplineof the market and the need for protection against its negativeoutcomes. Indeed, a continuing, unresolved clash between these twoforces is itself a major source of vitality and innovation foreconomy and society. But maintenance of that tension depends on theenduring strength of trade unions and other critical groups incivil society - a strength that is threatened byneoliberalism's increasingly intolerant onward march.
Outlining the principles for a renewed and more assertive socialdemocracy, this timely and important book shows that realpossibilities exist to create a better world than that which isbeing offered by the wealthy elites who dominate our public andprivate lives.