The Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy

Economists, politicians, and business leaders argue that private markets are more efficient than public ones, investment capital always flows where it is needed, inequality is an inevitable side effect of economic growth, and people only behave well with the right incentives. However, a growing number of academic economists, business owners, policy entrepreneurs, and ordinary people are rejecting these myths and reshaping economies to reflect their ethical and social values. Journalist Nick Romeo takes us on an extraordinary journey through the unforgettable stories and successes of people working to build economies that are more equal, just, and liveable.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

A groundbreaking exploration of prevailing economic beliefs, challenging the notion that a sustainable and resilient economy is unattainable. As the early twenty-first century witnesses the alarming rise of inequality, environmental degradation, and millions of individuals trapped in precarious and soul-destroying jobs, a chorus of economists, politicians, and business leaders argue that there is no alternative. They persist in clinging to the doctrines that led us to this predicament in the first place, such as the superiority of private markets over public ones, the unwavering flow of investment capital to wherever it is deemed necessary, the inevitability of inequality as a consequence of economic growth, and the belief that individuals can only be motivated by the right incentives.

However, a growing cohort of academic economists, business owners, policy entrepreneurs, and ordinary individuals is rejecting these myths and actively reshaping economies to align with their ethical and social values. Journalist Nick Romeo, renowned for his coverage of the world's most innovative economic and policy ideas in the New Yorker, embarks on an extraordinary journey, unveiling the remarkable stories and successes of individuals dedicated to building economies that are more equitable, just, and livable. Through original, in-depth reporting and expert analysis, Romeo delves into a wide range of topics, including fair pricing practices in the Netherlands, large-scale cooperatives in Spain, public sector marketplaces that provide decent work and genuine protection to gig workers in California, and more.

This compelling book serves as a testament to the fact that there is indeed an alternative to the status quo. It offers a roadmap for a future where economic systems prioritize the well-being of all individuals and the planet, fostering a sense of shared prosperity and resilience. By debunking the myths and embracing innovative solutions, we can create a world where economic growth is not solely measured by GDP but also by social and environmental metrics, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399813792