Better Theory
The economic crisis which opened in 2008 confirms that the world is at the cusp of a major realignment. To a degree not seen since 1929, it places in fundamental doubt whether the capitalist organisation of the world is sustainable or desirable, and if so, in what form. This key moment in history will make weighty intellectual demands on those who wish to understand and shape the future.
A widespread failure to either anticipate or explain the crisis confirms the woeful inadequacy of the theories currently on offer. Over the last two decades, restrictive and apologetic themes such as ‘globalisation’ and ‘empire’ eclipsed earlier and richer discussions which – as now admitted by many commentators – offer a richer source of explanations and solutions.
As these superficial discourses exhaust themselves, earlier theories and debates, often uncompleted, constitute a necessary point of departure to understand the future of world capitalism. Neglected concepts of political economy such as property, class, exploitation and inequality once again command attention alongside forgotten seminal discussions of such ‘modern’ themes as gender, ethnicity, faith and nation.
The Future of World Capitalism Book Series aims to re-kindle discussion of the contemporary world as a material and historical process. It responds to the demand both among engaged citizens and critical academics, for a fresh look at the fundamental conceptual issues at play in world history, and at new and classical theories and debates which deal with them. The Series aims to be a a vehicle for the integrated re-examination of the entire range of issues needed for a rounded understanding of the current stage of world development, from history and political economy to philosophy and culture.
Better Books
The book market is growing, but rapidly changing. Authors find it increasingly difficult to reach a wide audience, and readers are overwhelmed with the sheer volume of work available - yet at the same time, the ideas needed to understand what is happening to our planet have been ignored and bypassed.
We seek to put accessible, high-quality works on these issues within reach of ordinary people, creating a market to ensure they receive a proper hearing. The exchange of ideas will be vital to our success. We will promote this on the internet, at special-purpose seminars and symposia, and through panels and streams at relevance conferences
If you would like to work on any or all of these aims, please contact us at mail@radicaldemon.org