How public needs become public power—and what it costs
This nonfiction work examines how cities and governments run services and industries once managed by private firms. It argues that collective approaches can reshape production, distribution, and risk, with finance and governance at the center of each example.
Drawing on real-world cases from many countries, the book traces how the state and municipalities take on tasks from insurance to death care, and how large, centralized organizations emerge from these efforts. It presents practical observations on costs, management, and the balance between public benefit and market forces.
- Learn how public ownership and joint ventures affect efficiency, pricing, and access to services
- See how different countries organize utilities, retail, and social functions
- Explore the financial logic behind state-led undertakings and risk sharing
- Understand debates around control, accountability, and the role of private interests
Ideal for readers curious about the practical side of collectivism, public economics, and the evolving role of government in business. The book uses concrete examples to discuss what works, what doesn’t, and why these questions matter for everyday life in any market.