The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism

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The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism

By: Martin Wolf

Narrated by: John Lee

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£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

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Brought to you by Penguin.

Liberal democracy is in recession and authoritarianism is on the rise. The ties that ought to bind open markets to free and fair elections are being strained and spurned, even in democracy's notional heartlands. Around the world, powerful voices argue that capitalism is better without democracy; others that democracy is better without capitalism. This audiobook is a forceful rejoinder to both views, offering a deep and lucid assessment of why the marriage between capitalism and democracy has grown so strained and making clear why a divorce would be an almost unthinkable calamity.

Wolf argues that for all its recent failings—slowing growth and productivity, increasing inequality, widespread popular disillusion—democratic capitalism remains the best system and that citizenship is not just a slogan or a romantic idea; it's the only concept that can save us. This wise and rigorous exploration of the dynamic between democracy and capitalism shows us that our ideals and our interests not only should align—they must do so, for everyone's sake.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Economic History

Economics

Politics & Government

Capitalism

Socialism

Taxation

Economic Inequality

Economic History Economics Politics & Government Capitalism Socialism Taxation Economic Inequality

Critic reviews

"Martin Wolf has been an incisive commentator on economics and politics for a long time. This book is an excellent and thought-provoking synthesis of his views on democratic capitalism and how to fix it." (Ben Bernanke, former chair of the Federal Reserve)

"Martin Wolf is one of the deepest thinkers of our times and his latest book is a must-read! He brilliantly analyzes the causes of current crisis of democratic capitalism and presents the reforms needed to successfully rejuvenate it. He rightly calls for a new alliance of reformed democratic capitalist states to protect global peace, inclusive prosperity and the planet against plutocratic populism and tyranny. Hopefully, his words will be carefully read and heeded." (Nouriel Roubini, Professor, New York University)

"Martin Wolf is a great humanist and a sharp analytical mind. He unfurls here a bracing indictment of democratic capitalism and an inspiring defense of it. To defend the values of freedom and dignity, democracy and capitalism must both be reformed. A necessary book - and a guide - for our times." (Daniel Ziblatt, Professsor, Harvard University and co-author of How Democracies Die)

Most relevant

Excellent book. Insightful and thought-provoking. But an awful narrator. His staccato style made it very hard to get through.