The Future of Capitalism

by Paul Collier
The Future of Capitalism cover
Good Books rating 3.9
Business and Economics
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  • ID: 8272
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780241333891
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-10-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Future of Capitalism,' Paul Collier delves into the growing divides within Western societies, such as the urban-rural split and the gap between the elite and the less educated. He argues that these rifts have led to the rise of populism and socialism, causing significant upheavals like Trump's election and Brexit. Collier, who has lived across these divides, provides a candid critique of capitalism and his profession, offering ethical and practical solutions to heal these economic, social, and cultural rifts. Collier's book is not just a critique but a call to action, presenting innovative ideas from distinguished social scientists to save capitalism from its own failures. He emphasizes the need to move beyond 20th-century ideologies and adopt a pragmatic approach to address the challenges of the 21st century. By doing so, he aims to restore the sense of ethical obligation that was crucial to the rise of post-war social democracy.

Reviews
Global Policy Journal · 2019-08-12
comprehensive 4.20

The book is described as a challenging but rewarding read, covering a wide range of topics related to capitalism. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and breadth, but also notes its complexity.

This review highlights the book's ambitious scope and depth, covering a wide range of topics related to capitalism. The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough analysis and the original insights it offers. However, they also note that the book can be complex and challenging at times. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of capitalism, offering a nuanced and comprehensive perspective. The reviewer also notes that the book is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    Paul Collier's new book “The future of capitalism” is a very hard book to review. It is short (215 pages) but it covers an enormous area.

    The book is described as a challenging but rewarding read, covering a wide range of topics related to capitalism.

    The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough analysis and the original insights it offers.

LSE Review of Books · 2019-05-30
insightful 4.00

The book offers a forthright discussion of capitalism today, diagnosing and proposing remedies for the anxieties shaping divisions. It is praised for its practical and ethical solutions to modern economic issues.

This review highlights the book's comprehensive approach to addressing the anxieties and divisions within contemporary capitalism. The reviewer appreciates the practical and ethical solutions proposed, which aim to heal the rifts in society. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of capitalism, offering a balanced and pragmatic perspective. The reviewer also notes that the book is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    Paul Collier offers a forthright discussion of capitalism today that seeks to diagnosis and propose remedies for the anxieties shaping divisions.

    It is praised for its practical and ethical solutions to modern economic issues.

    The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of capitalism.

Medium · Radicalroots · 2019-05-20
thoughtful 3.50

The reviewer is open to the idea that the present system can be reformed, but also acknowledges the challenges in implementing these changes. The book is seen as a thought-provoking exploration of capitalism's future.

This critical review explores the key thesis of the book, which is that capitalism can be reformed. The reviewer is open to this idea and appreciates the book's thoughtful analysis of the current system. However, they also acknowledge the significant challenges in implementing the proposed reforms. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of capitalism, offering a nuanced and thoughtful perspective. The reviewer also notes that the book is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    As to the key thesis of the book: that capitalism can be reformed. I am certainly open to the idea that the present system can be made much ...

    The book is seen as a thought-provoking exploration of capitalism's future.

    The reviewer also notes that the book is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide audience.

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