Capitalism as a global system barely allows the needs of the majority of the world's population to be met. Whether from an industrialized country such as the US or from South Africa, the need for an alternative can be felt all over the world. It is clear nowadays that, due to the non-democratic nature and inadequacies of capitalism, another system must take its place. Such a process has already begun through the cooperative movement, which this book examines along with other initiatives. Featuring essays by international scholars and activists from various spheres of the anti-capitalist left, the work features many examples from the north and the south, to cover both the historically-advanced and late capitalist economies. It discusses such initiatives as participatory economics, the Mondragon experience, worker cooperatives in Europe and Latin America, solidarity economy in South Africa, and more. Written in an accessible manner, Beyond Capitalism will be an invaluable resource for any student of social movements and political thought and for anyone looking for alternative to today's ongoing systemic crises.

How to move 'beyond capitalism' and whether indeed it is possible to do so, has become a question of general interest, rather than simply the preserve of left-literary discussion, since the credit crisis of 2008. This book examines the social nature of the austerity crisis, and whether an anticapitalist message can successfully intersect and create a new virtuous dynamic for the radical left after decades of retreat. Intended as a contribution to debates around fundamental social change which have emerged in the wake of Occupy and the Arab revolutions, Beyond Capitalism is a book which combines 'historical sociology' with the politics of social emancipation. The question these movements have posed is how can the radical left marshal its often meagre forces to create a new counter hegemony to the ethos and culture of capitalism? ,

"Beyond Capitalism: A Comparative Study of Socialism, Communism, and Marxism" by Nicklas Nickel offers a thorough exploration of the ideological frameworks that have shaped modern history and continue to influence our world today. This compelling and insightful book delves deep into the origins, development, and practical impact of socialism, communism, and Marxism, providing a nuanced understanding of these complex ideologies. Unraveling Ideologies: From Historical Origins to Contemporary Relevance Nickel's work is a comprehensive investigation that traces the evolution of these ideologies from their roots in the Industrial Revolution to their manifestations in the 20th and 21st centuries. The book examines the philosophical underpinnings, historical contexts, and societal implications of socialism, communism, and Marxism, offering readers a clear and accessible analysis of their similarities and differences. Drawing on historical events and real-world examples, "Beyond Capitalism" provides readers with an understanding of how these ideologies emerged as responses to the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. It highlights the key principles that define each ideology and unpacks the debates that surround their implementation. Nickel's approach is scholarly yet approachable, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can engage with the material. A Journey Through the Historical and Philosophical Landscape The book begins with a detailed exploration of the 19th-century context in which these ideologies took shape. It examines the profound social, economic, and cultural shifts brought about by industrialization and capitalism, providing a backdrop for understanding the rise of socialism, communism, and Marxism. Nickel delves into the early critiques of capitalism and the calls for social reform, shedding light on the Enlightenment thinkers and liberal ideals that influenced the development of these ideologies. Readers are guided through the tumultuous period of social unrest and labor movements, from the emergence of trade unions to the global spread of these movements and the state's responses. The role of key figures such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is explored in depth, including their foundational works like "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das Kapital." Nickel also examines the influence of Marxist thought on the early socialist and communist movements, setting the stage for the book's in-depth analysis of Marxist theory. In-Depth Analysis of Marxist Theory "Beyond Capitalism" dedicates an entire chapter to dissecting the core tenets of Marxist theory, including the concepts of the proletariat and bourgeoisie, dialectical materialism, historical materialism, class struggle, and the role of the state. Nickel's meticulous approach allows readers to grasp the philosophical foundations of Marxism and its revolutionary implications. The book offers a detailed examination of how Marxist theory interprets class relations, social change, and the nature of state power. It explores the concepts of alienation and exploitation within capitalist societies and the Marxist vision of a classless, stateless society under communism. By providing a balanced critique of Marxist theory, Nickel encourages readers to engage critically with its ideas and consider their relevance in the contemporary world. Exploring Socialism and Communism In addition to its focus on Marxism, "Beyond Capitalism" provides a thorough analysis of socialism and communism as distinct yet interconnected ideologies. The book outlines the theoretical foundations of the transition from socialism to communism and discusses the challenges and debates that surround this process. Nickel examines the key features of socialist societies, such as social ownership of the means of production, centralized economic planning, redistribution, social welfare, and democratic participation. He explores the practical implications of these principles in various historical and contemporary contexts, highlighting both the successes and challenges of socialist experiments. The book also delves into the evolution of property rights within socialist systems, comparing them to those in capitalist economies. It offers a nuanced discussion of the bureaucratic state-owned enterprise, its role in socialist societies, and the complexities of state ownership, control, and the allocation of resources. A Balanced and Accessible Approach Nickel's writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making complex ideas and historical developments understandable for readers who may not have a background in political theory or economics. He takes care to present multiple perspectives, acknowledging the criticisms and debates that have surrounded these ideologies throughout history. The book avoids oversimplification, instead offering a balanced view that recognizes the diversity of thought within socialism, communism, and Marxism. It examines both the positive contributions and the limitations of these ideologies, encouraging readers to think critically about their relevance and applicability in the modern world. Contemporary Relevance: Ideologies in the 21st Century "Beyond Capitalism" is not just a historical account; it also addresses the contemporary relevance of socialism, communism, and Marxism in today's global landscape. Nickel discusses the legacy of 20th-century class struggles, the rise of neoliberalism, and the ongoing debates over economic inequality, social justice, and environmental sustainability. By examining the ideological underpinnings of current political and economic systems, the book offers readers valuable insights into the forces that continue to shape our world. It invites readers to reflect on the potential future of these ideologies and consider their role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century. A Must-Read for Anyone Seeking Understanding of the Socio-Political Landscape "Beyond Capitalism" is an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape and the ideological debates that continue to influence global society. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a curious reader, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the complex and evolving terrain of socialism, communism, and Marxism. With its thorough analysis, balanced perspective, and accessible style, "Beyond Capitalism" is a valuable addition to any bookshelf. It encourages readers to explore the past, understand the present, and contemplate the future of these ideologies in our ever-changing world. Grab your copy of "Beyond Capitalism: A Comparative Study of Socialism, Communism, and Marxism" today and embark on a journey through the complex ideologies that have shaped history and continue to impact our lives!

Featuring readings of contemporary utopian poetry and fiction from authors such as Juliana Spahr, Mohsin Hamid, Bong Joon-ho, Kim Stanley Robinson, Lidia Yukavitch, and Cory Doctorow, this book investigates the commons - a form of organisation based on collectivity, communalism and sharing - as a type of transition between capitalist precarity and crisis and anti-capitalist futures. Each of the texts under examination was written in opposition to a particular crisis of the capitalist present - inequality, political representation, mobility, and climate change - and develops a particular mode of utopian 'commoning'. Through its examination of these writers, crises and texts, this book reaffirms the use of utopianism as a tool for generating and representing alternative futures for a world in the midst of ongoing planetary crisis.

America Beyond Capitalism is a book whose time has come. Gar Alperovitz's expert diagnosis of the long-term structural crisis of the American economic and political system is accompanied by detailed, practical answers to the problems we face as a society. Unlike many books that reserve a few pages of a concluding chapter to offer generalized, tentative solutions, Alperovitz marshals years of research into emerging "new economy" strategies to present a comprehensive picture of practical bottom-up efforts currently underway in thousands of communities across the United States. All democratize wealth and empower communities, not corporations: worker-ownership, cooperatives, community land trusts, social enterprises, along with many supporting municipal, state and longer term federal strategies as well. America Beyond Capitalism is a call to arms, an eminently practical roadmap for laying foundations to change a faltering system that increasingly fails to sustain the great American values of equality, liberty and meaningful democracy.

Since first published in 2002, After Capitalism has offered students and political activists alike a coherent vision of a viable and desirable alternative to capitalism. David Schweickart calls this system Economic Democracy, a successor-system to capitalism which preserves the efficiency strengths of a market economy while extending democracy to the workplace and to the structures of investment finance. In the second edition, Schweickart recognizes that increased globalization of companies has created greater than ever interdependent economies and the debate about the desirability of entrepreneurship is escalating. The new edition includes a new preface, completely updated data, reorganized chapters, and new sections on the economic instability ofcapitalism, the current economic crisis, and China. Drawing on both theoretical and empirical research, Schweickart shows how and why this model is efficient, dynamic, and applicable in the world today.

"Meszaros defines capital system as embracing private ownership, and Soviet type postcapitalism; both share the same hierarcical structure, the same destructive tendencies and the same exploitation of the labour force. Capitalism may appear to be triumphant world-wide but Beyond Capital is a devastating exposure of a system which can only renew itself at the cost of increasing its problems and can only delay but not avoid its eventual collapse. The theoretical scope and intellectual rigour of Beyond Capital is matched by its practical importance; Beyond Capital is a major contribution to the development of socialist strategies in these times of despondency and crisis of the historical left." -- Back Cover

This book argues for a twofold transformation to mitigate environmental catastrophe, avert war and overcome poverty and authoritarianism: a struggle for democratic, peace-oriented, social and ecological changes within the framework of a post-neoliberal, but still bourgeois-capitalist society, and a drive towards entry-level projects aimed at a great transformation beyond capitalism. Calling for the embrace of core values and institutions aligned with solidarity as opposed to capitalism, it advances four guiding ideas for the pursuit of such a path: redistribution of life chances and power, socio-ecological restructuring, redesign of democratic institutions, and reversal from confrontation to peace through international cooperation and solidarity. A presentation of the fundamental elements of a left strategy for socioecological transformation, this volume will appeal to scholars of social, political and economic theory with interests in post-capitalist futures.

From Thomas Piketty to David Harvey, scholars are increasingly questioning whether we are entering into a post-capitalist era. If so, does this new epoch signal the failure of capitalism and emergence of alternative systems? Or does it mark the ultimate triumph of capitalism as it evolves into an unstoppable entity that takes new forms as it engulfs its opposition? After Capitalism brings together leading scholars from across the academy to offer competing perspectives on capitalism’s past incarnations, present conditions, and possible futures. Some contributors reassess classic theorizations of capitalism in light of recent trends, including real estate bubbles, debt relief protests, and the rise of a global creditocracy. Others examine Marx’s writings, unemployment, hoarding, “capitalist realism,” and coyote (trickster) capitalism, among many other topics. Media and design trends locate the key ideologies of the current economic moment, with authors considering everything from the austerity aesthetics of reality TV to the seductive smoothness of liquid crystal. Even as it draws momentous conclusions about global economic phenomena, After Capitalism also pays close attention to locales as varied as Cuba, India, and Latvia, examining the very different ways that economic conditions have affected the relationship between the state and its citizens. Collectively, these essays raise provocative questions about how we should imagine capitalism in the twenty-first century. Will capitalism, like all economic systems, come to an end, or does there exist in history or elsewhere a hidden world that is already post-capitalist, offering alternative possibilities for thought and action?

In 1989 hard core Stalinists overnight became the best ever imaginable capitalists who managed to privatise the entire economy in Eastern Europe. Nowadays, we observe how the Masters of the Universe suddenly become anti-globalisation activists raising the question whether we shall trust the populist approach by George Soros and Warren Buffett one more time or whether we should become suspicious as their sudden reasoning may be a way for them to try to avoid imprisonment? The difference between Socialism and Capitalism is that 23 years ago the Socialists accepted to be dictated the conditions of their surrender while today the capitalistic elite dictates their rescuers their conditions. An economic model that forces the real economy, our manufacturing industries, to produce only for profit and not for the actual demand leads to the production of an incredible amount of trash that implies wanton destruction of natural resources and climatic calamity. The present economic system is evidently anti-economical as it destroys economic capacity with all the negative consequences for the vast majority of citizens on this planet as well as nature. Time is ripe for a new economic system that will reverse these negative effects and that in contrast to the collapsing neo-classical model is mathematically coherent and economically sound while it is based on inclusion and proper management of resources.