A century of expanding government has distorted financial markets, stoked massive inequality, and soaked America in debt.

What went wrong with capitalism? Ruchir Sharma’s explanation is unlike any you will have heard before. Progressives are partly right when they mock modern capitalism as “socialism for the rich,” but what really happened in recent decades is that the government expanded in just about every measurable dimension, from spending and regulation to the sheer scale of its rescues each time the economy wobbled. The result, Sharma says, is “socialized risk,” expensive government guarantees, for everyone—welfare for the poor, entitlements for the middle class, and bailouts for the rich.

The Reagan and Thatcher Revolution of the 1980s did little to reverse this trend; it just changed the way governments finance themselves. They now rely more on borrowing than taxing. Over the last forty years, governments and central banks have pumped so much money into the economy that the markets can no longer allocate capital efficiently. Capitalism is now so deeply addicted to debt, even the return of inflation in recent years—which ended four decades of easy money—has not weaned its leaders off their habit. Many high-profile symbols of capitalism gone wrong, including the rise of monopolies and billionaires, are effectively creatures of a borrow and bailout culture. They thrive in a system soaked in too much government support. Conservatives and liberals find themselves surprisingly united in support of bigger government, whether to fight climate change, to revive manufacturing, to out-compete China, or contain Russia. President Biden is leading the way and has put the United States on course to become the developed world’s biggest deficit spender and biggest debtor.

Voters say they are disillusioned with capitalism, but a system so distorted by government interventions is a dysfunctional version of free market ideals. As a result, productivity and economic growth have slowed sharply, shrinking the pie for everyone, and stoking popular anger. Since these flaws developed as the government expanded, building an even bigger state will only double down on what’s gone wrong. The answer Sharma offers is a series of seven fixes to restore the balance between state support and economic freedom and lay the path to a happier future.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

In 2002, World of Books Group was founded on an ethos to do good, protect the planet and support charities by enabling more goods to be reused. Since then, we've grown into to a global company pioneering the circular economy. Today, we drive the circular economy through three re-commerce brands: - Wob: Through Wob, we sell. We provide affordable, preloved books and media to customers all over the world. A book leaves our collection of over seven million titles and begins a new chapter every two seconds, enabling more goods to be reused. - Ziffit: Through Ziffit, we buy. We give people around the world the opportunity to contribute to the circular economy, earn money and protect the planet, by trading their unwanted books and media. - Shopiago: Through Shopiago, we help others. By sharing the technology that has grown World of Books Group into the business it is today, we?re helping charities increase revenue and reduce waste through re-commerce.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

World of Books Ltd
Mulberry House, Woods Way Trading Estate, Goring-By-Sea, BN12 4QY, United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

WorldofBooks.com fully embraces the AbeBooks terms and conditions and we will do
what we can to resolve any issues.

Shipping Terms

Orders ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 12 business days	5 to 9 business days
First item	US$ 7.48	US$ 12.02

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.