Description
Book SynopsisAuthoritarian capitalism is rapidly evolving, intensifying and spreading across the globe. This updated second edition book demonstrates that the recent resurgence of fascism and repressive democracies are connected to and symptomatic of the fundamental authoritarianism of capitalism.
Analysing how marketization is promoting political authoritarianism across the world, Peter Bloom tells a story of authoritarian progress in which capitalist sovereignty is replacing liberal and social democracy. In doing so, Bloom rethinks the structural and discursive role of sovereign power within capitalism, illustrating how the free market relies upon a range of authoritarian political fantasies not just for its growth but for its very survival. This fully updated edition reveals how this had led to an evolution from corporate globalization to a new era of ‘popular authoritarianism’, based on the political competition between far-Right ethno-capitalism and politically repressive capitalist democracy. Exploring new perspectives such as "the commons" and "degrowth development", it points to new possibilities for resisting authoritarian capitalism and reinvigorating democracy.
The unique insights in this book will prove invaluable for students and scholars of political science, economics, development and organization studies, international relations and sociology. It will also be of interest to practitioners concerned with globalization, political authoritarianism, and the expansion of the free market.
Trade Review‘This insightful book addresses a burning question: the relationship between capitalism and democracy in our crisis-ridden world. Bloom elegantly shows that the spread of capitalism worldwide has driven political systems towards increasingly authoritarian forms – and what we can do to reverse course, and build more tolerant and democratic societies. An essential read for troubled times.’ -- Alfredo Saad Filho, King’s College London, UK
Table of ContentsContents: Preface to the Second Edition 1. The rise of authoritarian capitalism in the twenty-first century 2. Fantasizing authoritarian capitalism: a brief history 3. Globalization and the desire for authoritarianism 4. The market despots: the global capitalist fantasy of authoritarian nationalism 5. Developing authoritarian capitalism: the global capitalist fantasy of authoritarian modernization 6. The tyranny of (neo)liberal democracy: a global capitalist fantasy of authoritarian freedom 7. A responsible global hegemony: the capitalist fantasy of authoritarian “good governance” 8. Fighting for oppression: the battle between popular authoritarianism and repressive democracy 9. Conclusion: breaking free from authoritarian capitalism References Index
