In his thought-provoking book, celebrated economist Paul Collier offers a candid examination of the failures of capitalism and presents a pragmatic vision for its repair. Collier delves into the deepening divides within Western societies, such as the gap between thriving cities and the provinces, the highly skilled elite and the less educated, and wealthy versus developing countries. As these rifts widen, the ethical obligations that once underpinned post-war social democracy have eroded, leading to the rise of populism and socialism. Collier’s work is a passionate and polemical call to action, proposing innovative and ethical solutions to heal these economic, social, and cultural divides with pragmatism rather than ideological fervor.

Why You Should Read?

1. Insightful Diagnosis: Collier provides a clear and candid analysis of the current failures of capitalism, offering a deep understanding of the societal rifts that are causing upheaval.
2. Pragmatic Solutions: Unlike many critiques, Collier presents realistic and ethical ways to address these divides, focusing on practical solutions rather than ideological revivalism.
3. Personal Experience: The book is enriched by Collier’s personal journey across these divides, from his working-class roots in Sheffield to his academic career at Oxford, and his work between Britain and Africa.
4. Diverse Perspectives: Collier draws on his own solutions and ideas from leading social scientists, providing a comprehensive approach to saving capitalism and moving beyond the intellectual constraints of the 20th century.
5. Timely Relevance: With recent global events like Trump, Brexit, and the rise of the far right, Collier’s insights are particularly pertinent, offering hope and direction for a more equitable future.