Bøker i Springer Studies in Alternative Economics-serien

This book presents a unique real-world-centred approach to economic life from a phenomenological approach. It offers a much-needed alternative to conventional economic thinking, giving a transdisciplinary depiction of the economic process's social, cultural, technological, political, and ecological dimensions. Doing so appeals to students and researchers in economics aiming to get an alternative to the reductionist model-based approach.Written in a jargon-free and non-technical way, it appeals to non-economists alike and those seeking a more profound and living understanding of the economic process. What is the role of nature in the economic process? Is there more to economics than we have been told? Do we have infinite needs? What are these needs? Can we keep on growing forever? Does economic growth improve our wellbeing? Why is the income gap widening? What is the role of financial capital in our current world? Are there other forms of producing, distributing, and consuming wealth beyond markets? What are the functions of markets, and how do they work in the real world? These and many other aspects are discussed in living and holistic ways in this book. It is a must-read for all those interested in gaining a more profound and genuine understanding of our current reality and those looking for ways out of our current crises.

This book provides answers to fundamental questions of sustainable development and international cooperation in light of irreversible globalization. Based on comprehensive research and a wealth of experience from his own political activities, the author offers an insightful analysis of the globalized economy and its political, cultural and ecological context. Presenting an objective assessment, the author diagnoses the state of affairs and formulates recipes to overcome present day challenges, such as income inequalities, climate change, demographic imbalance and the new Cold War, which overlap with the "e;black trinity"e;: populism, nationalism and authoritarianism. "e;Grzegorz Kolodko is one of the most acute observers of the international economy, based on long experience both as a practitioner and as an academic. His writings are always an important starting point for debate and discussion about the political economy of globalization."e;Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University, author of "e;The End of History"e;"e;Grzegorz Kolodko unites deep policy experience, a vast breadth of observation and a solid grip on real-world economics in his case for a new pragmatism.  For all involved in the causes of peace, justice, shared prosperity and public purpose, he is a leader and an ally."e;James K. Galbraith, The University of Texas at Austin"e;Dr. Kolodko delivers comprehensive and inspiring economic analysis, drawing on his rich historical political leadership. His probing and insightful assessment of globalization in today's and tomorrow's world is a must read."e;Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, President of Rainbow Coalition and International Civil Rights Activist 

As the current capitalist system has been increasingly struggling to respond to the problems and uncertainties in the global economy, this book aims to identify the main economic, social, and ecological problems and discusses solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable economic system. Written by an international selection of contributors, it takes a wider perspective beyond classical orthodox economics.By doing so, this book covers a wide range of topics, such as global warming and climate change, food and energy scarcity, rising inequality and debt issues, health, ecological, economic, and political crises, degrowth, green new deals, solidarity, economy, artificial intelligence, technological change, smart solutions, and smart cities. Discussing these topics, the book presents answers to the question of whether the current capitalist system is viable and provides suggestions for a fair, inclusive, and modern economic system.Taking a comprehensive approach, thebook will appeal to students, scholars, and researchers of heterodox and alternative economics.

This book explains the inherent contradictions of Marxist economic theory and how they became apparent when the theory was applied in practice. It introduces the main theories and authors of Marxist economic thought, explores its implementation in the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, and offers a comparative analysis of the main distinctive features of socialist and capitalist economic systems. In turn, the book provides answers to the following questions: What has happened to the "socialist reality" and why has it become unacceptable for society? What are the causes of the collapse of the socialist economic system? This book appeals to scholars and students of economics and anyone interested in Marxist economic thinking and the practice of socialism.

This is the first part of a two-volume set on Concordian economics, a new paradigm whose core completes the Aristotelian-Aquinian project of economic justice. The book delves into the history of economics and presents Concordian economics as a response to the concerns and shortcomings of mainstream economics. Demand-side economics is represented in the process of consumption¿the expenditure of monetary wealth to acquire real wealth and financial wealth of a different nature. In contrast, supply-side economics is represented in the production process, the process of producing real wealth, e.g. tables, chairs and foodstuffs. Institutionalists will also welcome this book because it ties the world of real wealth to that of monetary wealth through the process of distributing the value of ownership of both monetary and real wealth as they are created. The book begins with an introduction to Concordian economics, followed by a discussion of how to restore relevance to the fieldof economic studies. It also presents a revision of the Keynesian model designed to gradually address the major social, economic, and political causes of discord. Moreover, the author warns against the separation of economics from the world of physical things as well as the world of legal and moral issues. Following a discussion on the measurement of real wealth, econometrics is introduced in accordance with the categories of Concordian economics. Lastly, the book develops a theory of economic justice by defining a set of economic rights and responsibilities that guide economic behavior and policy.This book appeals to scholars and students of economics and related fields, as well as anyone interested in reintegrating economics into the social context.