Understanding the Current Global Socio-Economic and Ecological Crises: In Search of an Alternative Integrated System

Why has global economic growth failed to deliver equity, sustainability, and well-being for all? Despite decades of growth-centric and free-market policies, poverty and inequality persist, and the unchecked exploitation of natural resources threatens the planet’s future. This thought-provoking book critically examines the limitations of current economic models and highlights how growth has often been achieved at the cost of environmental and social health.

Drawing from ancient Indian philosophical traditions, historical and cultural practices—while steering clear of religious dogma—the authors challenge the modern obsession with profit maximization, consumerism, and self-interest. They advocate for a behavioral and ethical transformation in economic thinking: one rooted in community, sustainability, and intergenerational equity.

This work is the product of years of dialogue with scholars, thinkers, and practitioners, and offers a powerful alternative vision: an economy that not only thrives but also uplifts all.

V. Ratna Reddy: An economist by training with experience in the fields of environmental economics and natural resource management, climate change, livelihoods and institutions. He is an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at South Asian Institute, Germany. Visiting fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex and the University of Leeds, UK. Served as consultant to organisations like: The World Bank; ADB; UNDP; DFID; EC; WWF, IWMI, ICRISAT, UNU, etc. Served as a working group member in the preparation of 11th and 12th Plans for the Government of India. He has published 12 books and more than 150 research papers in international and national peer reviewed journals.