Description
Book SynopsisNeoliberalism has pushed capitalism to its limits, while people have no voice. John Asimakopoulos addresses the problem with a theory to practice model that reconciles Marxism, with its diverse radical currents, and democratic theory. He develops a political economy of structural equality in large-scale society making strong empirical arguments for radical transformation. Asimakopoulos shows that an egalitarian society leads to greater innovation, sustainable economic growth and positive social benefits in contrast to economies based on individualism and competition.
Trade Review"Social Structures of Direct Democracy is a lucid and powerful analysis of the threat that inequality poses to any viable democracy while also providing a brilliant analysis of the mechanisms that make it so savage and unsustainable. But the book provides more than a critique of inequality, it also offers a stirring program for change at a time when democracy is under dire siege. A must read for anyone concerned about the fate of democracy in the United States." —Henry Giroux, Director Center for Research in the Public Interest, McMaster University, Canada “Ambitious in scope, timely in content, and rigorous in argumentation and analysis, John Asimakopoulos’ Social Structures of Direct Democracy promises to make a significant and lasting contribution to contemporary discussions in democratic theory and political economy. By combining the utopian ethical ideal of the libertarian socialist tradition with the technical precision and analytic cohesiveness of Marxism and classical political economy, Asimakopoulos offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the present and future of democracy, both political and economic, around the globe. The book deserves praise for its interdisciplinary breadth and critical depth.” — Nathan Jun, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Midwestern State University “Social Structures of Direct Democracy will undoubtedly make an impressive and timely contribution to the literature. The excellent structure, original focus and critical content will ensure that the book enjoys a broad appeal across a range of academic disciplines, at all levels. Indeed, anyone with an interest in (engaging with) new, wonderfully alternative responses to address the current political and economic crisis should buy this book now!” — Dr. Richard J White, Senior Lecturer in Economic Geography, Sheffield Hallam University, UK. “John Asimakopoulos offers a provocative, sharp analysis of matters that are often discussed, but rarely understood, as shaping the larger political discourse of our day. He examines the complexities of movements as well as strategies aimed at winning victories for the working class. His words are certain to change the way you see our potential.” — Ernesto Aguilar, Editor, Political Media Review
"Social Structures of Direct Democracy is a lucid and powerful analysis of the threat that inequality poses to any viable democracy while also providing a brilliant analysis of the mechanisms that make it so savage and unsustainable. But the book provides more than a critique of inequality, it also offers a stirring program for change at a time when democracy is under dire siege. A must read for anyone concerned about the fate of democracy in the United States." Henry Giroux, Director Center for Research in the Public Interest, McMaster University, Canada Ambitious in scope, timely in content, and rigorous in argumentation and analysis, John Asimakopoulos’ Social Structures of Direct Democracy promises to make a significant and lasting contribution to contemporary discussions in democratic theory and political economy. By combining the utopian ethical ideal of the libertarian socialist tradition with the technical precision and analytic cohesiveness of Marxism and classical political economy, Asimakopoulos offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the present and future of democracy, both political and economic, around the globe. The book deserves praise for its interdisciplinary breadth and critical depth.” Nathan Jun, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Midwestern State University Social Structures of Direct Democracy will undoubtedly make an impressive and timely contribution to the literature. The excellent structure, original focus and critical content will ensure that the book enjoys a broad appeal across a range of academic disciplines, at all levels. Indeed, anyone with an interest in (engaging with) new, wonderfully alternative responses to address the current political and economic crisis should buy this book now!” Dr. Richard J White, Senior Lecturer in Economic Geography, Sheffield Hallam University, UK. John Asimakopoulos offers a provocative, sharp analysis of matters that are often discussed, but rarely understood, as shaping the larger political discourse of our day. He examines the complexities of movements as well as strategies aimed at winning victories for the working class. His words are certain to change the way you see our potential.” Ernesto Aguilar, Editor, Political Media Review
Table of ContentsForeword by Mark Zepezauer Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Theory, Praxis, and Change The Ragged Edge of Anarchy: Direct Democracy Mutualism Collectivism Communist Anarchism Conflict Theory Why Capitalism Must Always Collapse The Relationship between Change and Radicalism Structural Limitations to Change Insurrection versus Revolution Does Direct Democracy Require Small-scale Societies McDonald’s Iron Cage 2. Relations of Authority The Fraud of Representative Democracy The Best Democracy Money Can Buy Stealing Democracy Old School Political Parties A Path to Direct Democracy Economic Authority Political Authority Constitution 3. Material Relations Economic Utilities of Direct Democracy Relations of Consumption Resource Use What to Produce How to Produce Can the System Adapt? 4. Social Structure Culture and Social Integration Organizing Principles of Social Structure Institutions and Socialization Compulsion and Discipline Journalism The Social Network: The Future that Can be Now Conclusion: No Islands of Egalitarianism in a Sea of Inequality Afterword by Richard Gilman-Opalsky: What Can Grow in the Graveyard for Orthodoxies? Bibliography Index
