Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI
Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of capitalism’s evolution—and the major debates surrounding it—over the past few centuries. The book traces the development of capitalist economies from their roots in the Industrial Revolution through the rise of global markets, financial systems, and technological revolutions, all the way to today's digital and AI-driven economies.
Written in an accessible yet scholarly style, the book delves into how capitalism has shaped societies, influenced politics, and created both enormous wealth and stark inequalities. It presents not only the achievements of capitalism—such as innovation, growth, and improved living standards—but also its darker consequences, including exploitation, economic crises, and environmental degradation.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the critics of capitalism—from Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes to modern voices like Thomas Piketty and critics of surveillance capitalism. It examines how each generation has grappled with capitalism’s contradictions and proposed alternatives or reforms, including socialism, social democracy, and more recently, movements for degrowth or digital regulation.
The final chapters explore capitalism’s future in the age of artificial intelligence, automation, and platform economies—asking whether the system is adaptable enough to survive these radical changes, or whether a fundamental transformation is inevitable.