On the economics of abundance

This book revisits John Kenneth Galbraith's classic text The Affluent Society in the context of the background to, and causes of, the global economic crisis that erupted in 2008. Each chapter takes a major theme of Galbraith's book, distils his arguments, and then discusses to what extent they cast light on current developments, both in developed economies and in the economics discipline. The themes include: inequality, insecurity, inflation, debt, consumer behaviour, financialization, the economic role of government ('social balance'), the power of ideas, the role of power in the economy, and the nature of the good society. It considers the current problems of capitalism and the huge challenges facing democratic governments in tackling them. Written in non-technical language, this book is accessible to students of economics and the social sciences as well as to those who would have read The Affluent Society and the general reader interested in contemporary affairs and public policy.

"Waligorski shows why there is such resilience and viability to this brand of liberalism. The chapter on Keynes is as good a short piece on the economist as can be found anywhere". -- Kenneth M. Dolbeare, author of American Political Thought. "A coherent and insightful book by a sagacious thinker". -- Charles E. Lindblom, author of Politics and Markets.

A study of the political theory that underlies the conservative economic thought of such economists as Milton Friedman, James Buchanan and Friedrich Hayek, and its implications for public policy. The author analyzes the political content of ideas that justify a laissez-faire policy.

"To some extent Hoover's policies anticipated directions that would be pursued by modern environmentalists. The National Conference on Outdoor Recreation brought together wilderness advocates and urban planners, and passage of the first federal law to limit oil pollution in navigable waters marked the beginning of an ongoing effort to control the effects of industrialization on the environment. Hoover's advocacy of pleasant, affordable housing introduced the idea that our everyday environment is the starting point for environmental concerns."--BOOK JACKET.

Broadens the scope and meaning of American Indian political activism by focusing on the movement's early--and largely neglected--struggles, revealing how early activists exploited Cold War tensions in ways that brought national attention to their issues.