Paul Mason

"Over the past two centuries or so, capitalism has undergone profound changes--economic cycles that veer from boom to bust--from which it has always emerged transformed and strengthened. Surveying this turbulent history, Paul Mason's Postcapitalism argues that we are on the brink of a change so big and so profound that this time capitalism itself, the immensely complex system within which entire societies function, will mutate into something wholly new. At the heart of this change is information technology, a revolution that is driven by capitalism but, with its tendency to push the value of much of what we make toward zero, has the potential to destroy an economy based on markets, wages, and private ownership. Almost unnoticed, in the niches and hollows of the market system, swaths of economic life are beginning to move to a different rhythm. Vast numbers of people are changing how they behave and live, in ways contrary to the current system of state-backed corporate capitalism. And as the terrain changes, new paths open. In this bold and prophetic book, Mason shows how, from the ashes of the crisis, we have the chance to create a more socially just and sustainable economy. Although the dangers ahead are profound, he argues that there is cause for hope. This is the first time in human history in which, equipped with an understanding of what is happening around us, we can predict and shape the future"-- "In the tradition of No Logo and Empire, Postcapitalism is a sharply polemical but deeply analytical and historically informed account of the transition from capitalism to a new economic order"--

"This program studies divergent points of view contributing to the global warming debate, untangling a morass of political and scientific concerns and providing a wealth of historical background on the issue."--Container.

Originally published in 2012 to wide acclaim, this updated edition, Why Itʹs Still Kicking Off Everywhere, includes coverage of the most recent events in the wave of revolt and revolution sweeping the planet -- riots in Athens, student occupations in the UK, Quebec and Moscow, the emergence of the Occupy Movement and the tumult of the Arab Spring. Economic crisis, social networking and a new political consciousness have come together to ignite a new generation of radicals. BBC journalist and author Paul Mason combines the anecdotes gleaned through first-hand reportage with political, economic and historical analysis to tell the story of todayʹs networked revolution. Why Itʹs Still Kicking Off Everywhere not only addresses contemporary struggles, it provides insights into the future of global revolt. -- Publisher description.