Understanding Capitalism

An Introduction to Political Economy
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-5095-4818-7
Verlag: Wiley John + Sons

Buch, Englisch, 308 Seiten

Capitalism is a system of financing new ideas and technologies. Thriving on constant disruption, it expands in search of cheaper labor, and it discovers new technologies that radically change the nature of work. From the first stock markets to modern cryptocurrencies, capitalism has also created its own institutions. The resulting upheavals are not always welcomed by political forces, established businesses, or society more broadly, but controlling capitalism has always proved to be a challenge.

In this timely book, Vlad Tarko explores the meaning of capitalism, its origins, the varieties of capitalism, and its expansion to a global system. He discusses both the idealized institutions under which capitalism works best, and the reasons why capitalism often thrives even under highly imperfect institutions. Last but not least, he discusses why, despite generating unprecedented growth, capitalism suffers periodic crises of legitimacy related to inequality and uncertainty.

Understanding Capitalism is the go-to text for students of politics, philosophy, and economics, as well as a handy reference for scholars working across these fields.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Tarko, Vlad

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Regierungspolitik Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Wirtschaftspolitik, politische Ökonomie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Volkswirtschaftslehre Allgemein Wirtschaftstheorie, Wirtschaftsphilosophie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

List of Illustrations

1. An Unexpected Introduction to Capitalism
2. What is "Capitalism"?
3. Before Capitalism

4. Entrepreneurship and the Scarcity of Capital
5. Competition and Economic Disruption
6. The World According to Adam Smith
7. Varieties of Capitalism
8. The Political Expansion of Capitalism: Economic Growth Under Poor Institutions
9. Individualism and the Future of Meaningful Work
10. How Capitalism Changes Culture, Morality, and Religion
11. The Sustainability of Capitalism

Acknowledgments
Notes
References
Index

Über Autor(innen)

Vlad Tarko is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Political Economy and Moral Science at the University of Arizona.