The Alternative : How to Build a Just Economy

Author: Romeo, Nick

Politics & government

Published on 18 January 2024 by John Murray Press (Basic Books) in the United Kingdom.

A provocative debunking of

accepted economic wisdom which offers a new pathway to a sustainable,

survivable economy.

Confronted by the devastating trends of the early twenty-first century -

widening inequality, environmental destruction, and millions of workers stuck

in precarious, soul destroying work - many economists, politicians and

business leaders argue that there is no alternative. They cling to the dogmas

that got us in this mess in the first place: 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; people only

behave well with the right incentives. But 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,

who covers the world's most innovative economic and policy ideas for the

New Yorker, 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. Combining original, in-depth reporting

with expert analysis, Romeo explores everything from fair pricing in the

Netherlands to large scale cooperatives in Spain to public sector

marketplaces offering decent work and real protection to gig workers in

California and demonstrates there is an alternative.