The discussion centers on the concept of freedom as presented in the works of Marx and Engels. It posits that their political economy contains libertarian foundations, and employs contemporary theories of freedom to reinterpret and analyze their original ideas. This examination highlights the relevance of their thoughts in the context of modern discussions on liberty and political economy.
Focusing on Marx's theory of exploitation, Ernesto Screpanti offers a critical analysis that challenges conventional interpretations. He highlights gaps in traditional readings and presents his own innovative perspective, integrating insights from contemporary philosophy and economics. This interdisciplinary approach provides a fresh understanding of a fundamental aspect of Marxist thought, making it a significant contribution to both Marxist scholarship and broader economic theory.
A radical institutional approach to capitalism is explored through provocative arguments that reveal shared elements in neoclassical and Marxist theories. The work aims to engage a diverse audience of social scientists, including advanced students and professionals interested in the intersections of politics and economics.
The book offers a detailed exploration of economic development from the late Middle Ages to modern times, with a strong emphasis on contemporary theories, particularly from the twentieth century onwards. The revised second edition incorporates recent advancements in economic thought, ensuring that readers are informed about the latest trends and ideas shaping the field today.
"In this provocative study, economist Ernesto Screpanti argues that imperialism--far from disappearing or mutating into a benign "globalization"--Has in fact entered a new phase, which he terms "global imperialism." This is a phase defined by multinational firms cut loose from the nation-state framework and free to chase profits over the entire surface of the globe. No longer dependent on nation-states for building a political consensus that accommodates capital accumulation, these firms seek to bend governments to their will and destroy barriers to the free movement of capital. And while military force continues to play an important role in imperial strategy, it is the discipline of the global market that keeps workers in check by pitting them against each other no matter what their national origin. This is a world in which the so-called "labor aristocracies" of the rich nations are demolished, the power of states to enforce checks on capital is sapped, and global firms are free to pursue their monomaniacal quest for profits unfettered by national allegiance. Screpanti delves into the inner workings of global imperialism, explaining how it is different from past forms of imperialism, how the global distribution of wages is changing, and why multinational firms have strained to break free of national markets. He sees global imperialism as a developing process, one with no certain outcome. But one thing is clear: when economic crises become opportunities to discipline workers, and when economic policies are imposed through increasingly authoritarian measures, the vision of a democratic and humane world is what is ultimately at stake"-- Provided by publisher