Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy by Quinn Slobodian is a recent (published April 4, 2023) non-fiction book that has been generating buzz for its critical look at free-market ideology. Here's a breakdown of the book's central arguments:
Core Thesis:
- Slobodian argues that a faction of libertarians and free-market thinkers are working towards dismantling nation-states and democracies to create societies solely driven by market forces.
Following the Money Trail:
- The book traces the ideology's development through the stories of prominent figures like Milton Friedman and Peter Thiel.
- Slobodian explores their efforts to establish libertarian havens around the world, from Hong Kong to seasteading ventures (establishing settlements on platforms at sea).
The Underlying Threat:
- The author suggests that this ideology, if successful, could lead to a dystopian future with minimal regulations, eroded social safety nets, and immense power concentrated in the hands of the wealthy.
Critical Reception:
- Crack-Up Capitalism has been praised for its well-researched analysis and thought-provoking arguments.
- Reviewers commend Slobodian's ability to connect seemingly disparate events and trends to paint a larger picture of the potential dangers of unchecked capitalism.
If you're interested in:
- Understanding the rise of libertarian ideology
- Exploring the potential consequences of unfettered capitalism
- Learning about historical and contemporary attempts to create market-driven societies
Crack-Up Capitalism could be a valuable read.
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Descriptions are sourced from publishers or third parties and are not independently verified
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