Capitalism is first and foremost an economic system that prizes free and competitive markets, private ownership, and a comparatively small role for government intervention and regulation. Yet capitalism also has many political undertones and has become associated with notions of freedom, individualism, self-determination, and anti-unionism. As a political and economic philosophy, it was a major player in the Cold War, squaring off against communism and seemingly triumphing. The colorful history of this economic system that doubles as a political philosophy is recounted here, from Medieval-era experiments in agrarian capitalism and mercantilism to the 21st century digital economy and bitcoins. This is a fascinating and provocative read and an immersive journey through the political and economic history of the modern world.
This new book by two distinguished Italian economists is a highly original contribution to our understanding of the origins and aftermath of the financial crisis. The authors show that the recent financial crisis cannot be understood simply as a malfunctioning in the subprime mortgage market: rather, it is rooted in a much more fundamental transformation, taking place over an extended time period, in the very nature of finance. The ‘end’ or purpose of finance is to be found in the social institutions by which the making and acceptance of promises of payment are made possible - that is, the creation and cancellation of debt contracts within a specified time frame. Amato and Fantacci argue that developments in the modern financial system by which debts are securitized has endangered this fundamental credit/debt structure. The illusion has been created that debts are universally liquid in the sense that they need not be redeemed but can be continually sold on in increasingly extensive global markets. What appears to have reduced the riskiness of default for individual agents has in fact increased the fragility of the system as a whole. The authors trace the origins of this profound transformation backwards in time, not just to the neoliberal reforms of the 1980s and 90s but to the birth of capitalist finance in the mercantile networks of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This long historical perspective and deep analysis of the nature of finance enables the authors to tackle the challenges we face today in a fresh way - not simply by tinkering with existing mechanisms, but rather by asking the more profound question of how institutions might be devised in which finance could fulfil its essential functions.
This book aims at investigating from the perspective of the major economic dictionaries the notions of economic crisis and cycle. The project consists in giving an extensive summary of a number of significant entries on this subject, with an introductory essay to each entry placing them (and the dictionary to which they belong) in their context, giving some details on the author of the dictionary entry, and assessing the entry’s (and its author’s) contribution. The broad picture (including the history of these encyclopedic tools) will be examined in the introductory essays.
Dramatic failures in individual markets and institutions sparked a global financial crisis that resulted in political, social, and economic unrest. In the United States, a host of legislative acts have completely reshaped the regulatory landscape. Capital Markets, Derivatives and the Law: Positivity and Preparation investigates the impact of the financial crisis on capital markets and regulation. With an emphasis on the structure and the workings of financial instruments, it considers market evolution after the crisis and the impact of Central Bank policy. In doing so, it provides the reader with the tools to recognize vulnerabilities in capital market trading activities. This edition serves as an essential guide to better understand the legal and business considerations of capital market participation. With useful definitions, case law examples, and expert insight into structures, regulation, and litigation strategies, Capital Markets, Derivatives and the Law: Positivity and Preparation offers readers invaluable tools to make prudent, well-informed decisions.
President Obama recently called for a new financial regulation system in the United States. In order to understand the intricacies of new regulation, individuals must have a strong foundation in how capital markets function as well as how financial instruments and derivatives work. Capital Markets, Derivatives, and the Law provides readers with the foundation necessary to make informed, well-reasoned decisions about capital market participation, derivative utilization, and adherence to existing and future regulations. This publication is an essential guide for attorneys and business professionals looking for an accessible resource to better understand the legal and business considerations of capital markets and derivatives transactions. This book offers expert insight into how derivatives work. The author also explores the structures of derivatives as well as how they are regulated and litigated. In the complex world of the current capital market upheaval, this book provides useful definitions, case law examples, and insight into structures, regulation, and litigation strategies.
Complete, concise, and specially designed for easy access, this guide to the process of writing the research paper features a no-nonsense handbook format that helps students quickly find the information they need. The Third Edition of "Handbook for College Research" provides the latest information on locating and evaluating print and electronic source material as well as documenting sources in four different styles (the APA, Chicago, CBE, and updated MLA guidelines). In addition to guiding students in the stages of writing the research paper-- planning, drafting, and revising, this edition includes convenient, in-text annotations with each citation, providing clear visual models of the four styles.Coverage of electronic research includes the latest information on conducting electronic research, interpreting search engines, evaluating Internet and other electronic sources, and documenting electronic sources in the four documentation styles.