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Showing posts with the label Financialization

Capitalism’s Neoliberal and Global Transformation

The Digital Frontier: Capitalism’s Neoliberal and Global Transformation (c. 1980–Present) Part 4 of 4 Capitalism, that ever-shapeshifting beast, has spent the last four decades reinventing itself with the gusto of a Silicon Valley startup chasing venture capital. Since the 1980s, it has donned the flashy garb of neoliberalism, ridden the wild waves of globalization, and surfed the digital revolution to dizzying heights. From Margaret Thatcher’s privatization crusades to Jeff Bezos’s empire of next-day delivery, this era has seen capitalism stretch its tentacles across the globe, weaving markets together with the finesse of a spider on caffeine. Yet, for all its adaptability, this system has a knack for tripping over its own ambitions, leaving a trail of inequality, environmental chaos, and existential questions about its staying power. As of June 11, 2025, capitalism stands as a towering colossus—impressive, but wobbling under the weight of its own contradictions. Let’s unpack this...

The Diverging Paths: Financialization, Public Goods, and the Quality of Life in the West and China

Executive Summary:   This analysis examines the contrasting economic trajectories of the West and China, particularly focusing on the impact of financialization versus investment in public goods on the quality of life. The West, characterized by increasing financialization, faces drawbacks such as systemic risk, inequality, and potential underinvestment in crucial public services.  Case studies like the privatization of Thames Water and the UK rail system illustrate the pitfalls of prioritizing profit over public benefit. In contrast, China's state-led industrial capitalist model, with its high savings rate and centralized planning, has facilitated massive investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation, leading to tangible improvements in the quality of life for many citizens.  This analysis delves deep into specific cases of negative privatization outcomes and successful publicly led services, providing more granular details and context. We explore the structural d...