Title: Myths, politicians, and money : the truth behind the free market /
Authors: Gould, Bryan.
Year: 2013
Subjects: BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Economic History.; BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Money & Monetary Policy.; BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Economics / Theory.; POLITICAL SCIENCE / Government / Comparative.; POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / Economic Policy.; Free enterprise; Neoliberalism.; Political corruption; Neoliberalism.; BUSINESS & ECONOMICS Economics General.; BUSINESS & ECONOMICS Reference.; Free enterprise
Abstract: " RIPPING THE LID OFF THE MYTH OF THE FREE MARKET 'TRIUMPH' Many of us are increasingly puzzled and angered by the problems that government seems unable to resolve. Recent revelations by whistle-blowers only add to the sense that powerful forces control our lives and that we have no say in what they decide. There is, in general, a distinct loss in confidence in the democratic process. In MYTHS, POLITICIANS & MONEY, former Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Bryan Gould casts new light on these issues. Using examples of his involvement with many of the pressing political and economic issues that have troubled governments in the West over the last four decades, Gould shows that these problems have a common cause: the surrender of our democracy to those who control and dominate the global economy. MYTHS, POLITICIANS & MONEY exposes why politicians around the world distort economic policy against the interest of ordinary people, how neo-liberalism has been allowed to rise to prominence and why the break-down of a European super-state will create economic stability for millions. Controversial and shocking, this is the insider story of the rise of the free market ideology, its entrenchment within politics and the terrible impact that it has had on society. "--
Contents: The Triumph of the 'Free' Market -- Globalisation -- Stepping Stones to a 'Free-Market' Global Economy -- The Political Response -- Democracy Surrendered -- The Shift in the Balance of Power -- Everything Has A Price: Or Businessmen Know Best -- Mismanaging Our Economies: The Rise of Monetarism -- Mismanaging Our Economies: The International Dimension -- The Rise of Powerful Rivals and Other Models -- Mismanaging Our Economies: Ignoring the Evidence -- Hubris and Nemesis: The Global Financial Crisis -- Our Leaders Are Ignorant of How Our Economy Works -- The Role of the Media -- Widening Inequality and Social Problems -- Misreading the Non-Western World -- The Anglo-American Model -- Conclusion: What Can Be Done?