Global Capitalism and the Crisis of Humanity

This exciting new study provides an original and provocative expose of the crisis of global capitalism in its multiple dimensions - economic, political, social, ecological, military, and cultural. Building on his earlier works on globalization, William I. Robinson discusses the nature of the new global capitalism, the rise of a globalized production and financial system, a transnational capitalist class, and a transnational state and warns of the rise of a global police state to contain the explosive contradictions of a global capitalist system that is crisis-ridden and out of control. Robinson concludes with an exploration of how diverse social and political forces are responding to the crisis and alternative scenarios for the future. Advance praise: 'In this thoughtful and informative study, William I. Robinson carries forward the theory of global capitalism that he has presented in earlier work, applying it to the severe crises of an unprecedented moment of human history, when decisions directly affect the prospects for decent survival. The perspective that he develops is a most valuable one, broadly researched and carefully analyzed, addressing issues of utmost importance.' Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor (retired), Massachusetts Institute of Technology Advance praise: 'In this wide-ranging book, William I. Robinson offers a compelling analysis of the recent turns in global capitalism. Moving from the local to the global with grace and conviction, Robinson traces the mutations in contemporary capitalism, showing how they have led to the rise of a truly globalized capitalist class and state apparatus. He argues convincingly for the obsolescence of traditional political economic categories in the face of these changes and presents a robust alternative framework, of which he is undoubtedly one of the leading proponents. And perhaps most importantly, he urges us to realize the moral and ethical stakes in this endeavor. This is a work of profound importance for all students of contemporary political economy.' Vivek Chibber, New York University Advance praise: 'William I. Robinson has written an outstanding, gripping, and comprehensive look at the reorganization of global capitalism and its implications - potential and actual - for the masses of the world's people. Not only does this book suggest a unique and provocative way of understanding today's global capitalism, with the rise of a transnational capitalist class, but it also offers insights into the challenges that must be undertaken in order to construct a strategy for a fundamental social transformation to rescue this planet and its inhabitants from the dangers derived from a very toxic capitalism. This book spoke to the questions with which I have been grappling, and it spoke in clear and direct terms. I could not more strongly recommend this book.' Bill Fletcher, Jr, writer/activist; coauthor of Solidarity Divided; and author of 'They're Bankrupting Us': And 20 Other Myths about Unions Advance praise: 'This is a welcome update of William I. Robinson's theory of global capitalism. In the current debates over the deepening of inequality, the persistence of stagnation, and the slide toward oligarchy throughout the industrialized world, Robinson's perspective is essential.' Craig N. Murphy, Research Professor, Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance, McCormack Graduate School and Co-Director, Center for Governance and Sustainability, University of Massachusetts, Boston Advance praise: 'William I. Robinson's critique of global managerial and corporate rulers on geopolitical, economic, and ecological grounds is tightly argued, convincing, and urgently needed. Looking at it from the vantage point of BRICS debates, his contribution is a welcome corrective to those anticipating a rebalanced world or even an anti-imperialist project - for instead, he describes a deepening crisis of globalized capitalism. It is impossible not to conclude that, as does Robinson, 'only mass movements can generate counterdefinitions of the global order and its crisis'.' Patrick Bond, Senior Professor, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa1. Global capital and global labor; 2. Notes on transnational state apparatuses; 3. Beyond the theory of imperialism; 4. The 'Great Recession': financial speculation and militarized accumulation; 5. Policing global capitalism; 6. Interregnum: a new crisis of hegemony.