Description
Book Synopsis'A failing orthodoxy calls out for powerful alternatives. Neoclassical economics is that failed orthodoxy; Whalen and his contributors are the critical alternative. In this finely orchestrated edited volume, the contributors take turns wielding a sledgehammer to demolish the weakened edifice of neoclassical theory. Then, each adds a brick to a new theoretical foundation as they work together to expand upon the Post-Keynesian Institutionalist approach, especially the ideas laid down by Hyman Minsky. Their critique is clear and the alternative theory and policies they present are critical for anyone trying to understand the nature and operation of market-based economies.' - Dorene Isenberg, University of Redlands
'A convergence of Post Keynesian and Institutional economics, which have much in common, offers a sound and practical way forward after the Great Recession. By drawing inspiration from Hyman Minsky and tracing similarities in the economics of Veblen, Commons and Keynes, this book pursues such a convergence in an original and thought-provoking manner. The result is a new way of thinking about economics, one based on serious economic theory and rooted firmly in economic reality.'
- Philip Arestis, University of Cambridge, UK
This timely book rethinks economic theory and policy by addressing the problem of economic instability and the need to secure broadly shared prosperity. It stresses that advancing economics in the wake of the Great Recession requires an evolutionary standpoint, greater attention to uncertainty and expectations, and the integration of finance into macroeconomics. The result is a broader array of policy options - and challenges - than conventional economics presents.
Building on the pioneering work of Thorstein Veblen, John R. Commons and John Maynard Keynes, the authors synthesize key insights from Institutional and Post Keynesian economics into Post-Keynesian Institutionalism. Then they use that framework to explore an array of economic problems confronting the United States and the world. Inspired by the work of Hyman Minsky, the authors place financial relations at the center of their analysis of how economies operate and change over time.
Students and scholars of macroeconomics and public policy will find this book of interest, as will a wider audience of financial analysts, policy makers and citizens interested in understanding economic booms and downturns.
Trade ReviewIn the 1930s, economic theory and policy underwent dramatic change; such a shift occurs rarely and only in times of great calamity. We are in a similar period today, and this book enlightens economic policy and contributes to change that is ongoing in the mainstream of economic thinking. Economists and policymakers alike will benefit from this book. --Ronnie J. Phillips, Colorado State University, US
For those who take the work of Hyman Minsky seriously, this collection of essays provides a most welcome and refreshing examination of modern economic reality. It also demonstrates just how fruitful a conjoining of Post Keynesian and Institutionalist theory can be. Whalen has chosen his authors wisely, and, taken as a whole, their contributions provide an illuminating inquiry into what Minsky called ''money-manager capitalism''. The authors continue in the Minsky tradition, complementing his theoretical work and driving it forward. I highly recommend this book to not only economists who consider themselves Post Keynesian or Institutionalist, but to all who are looking for a way out of the theoretical impasse posed by conventional economics. --John Henry, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Financial Instability and Economic Security after the Great Recession explores the close relationship between Institutional and Post Keynesian economics, thereby contributing greatly to our understanding of the recent - indeed, still ongoing - crisis in the U.S. economy and global financial markets. Together these two schools of thought provide coherent diagnoses and prescriptions that are wholly lacking in orthodox neoclassical theory. We are reminded that institutions matter, unregulated financial markets are not self-correcting, economies stall at equilibriums far below potential, and activist government is the only path to rebuilding a stable and balanced economy. This book will help greatly in the important task of rethinking economics and pointing us in the direction of reform and recovery. --Timothy A. Canova, Chapman University School of Law
Table of ContentsContents: Preface Introduction: Instability, Prosperity and Economics After the Great Recession Charles J. Whalen PART I: FOUNDATIONS 1. Subverting Say’s Law: Harlan McCracken and the Commons-Keynes Connection Steven Kates 2. Towards a Synthesis of Institutional and Post Keynesian Economics W. Robert Brazelton and Charles J. Whalen 3. Futurity: Cornerstone of Post-Keynesian Institutionalism Glen Atkinson and Charles J. Whalen PART II: THE AMERICAN ECONOMY 4. Understanding and Preventing Financial Instability: Post-Keynesian Institutionalism and Government as Employer of Last Resort Fadhel Kaboub 5. Towards a More Rapid Recovery: Incorporating Subsidiarity into Macroeconomic Policy David A. Zalewski and Charles J. Whalen 6. Financial Stability, Regulatory Buffers and Economic Growth After the Great Recession: Some Regulatory Implications Éric Tymoigne PART III: THE GLOBAL ECONOMY 7. Regulating for Stability: Bank Capitalization and the Emergence of an International Lender of Last Resort Jan Toporowski 8. Evolution Without Fundamental Change: The Washington Consensus on Economic Development and its Significance for Post-Keynesian Institutionalism John Marangos and Charles J. Whalen 9. Money-manager Capitalism, Capital Flows and Development in Emerging Market Economies: A Post-Keynesian Institutionalist Analysis Yan Liang PART IV: CONCLUSION 10. The Future of Post-Keynesian Institutionalism Charles J. Whalen Index
