Global Capitalism and the Crisis of Humanity

by William I. Robinson

This exciting new study provides an original and provocative exposé 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.

Genres: Politics, Economics, Sociology, Academic

258 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2014

About the author

William I. Robinson is a professor of sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Reviews

[liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

so true globalization transnational capitalist class new wave of primitive accumulation 1990s 2008 global neo fascism yasssss

[Nemanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Robinson's theory of global capitalism breaks away from nation-state centric approach (in which nation-states compete between each other in order to secure more favourable conditions to their national bourgeoisie and capital), to a perspective which analyses transnational relations of capital and its owners, forming a transnational capitalist class (TCC) faction within the world bourgeoisie. Directly connected to TCC, he analyses the formation of supranational institutions which regulate the capital accumulation on the world scale, that he terms transnational state (TNS). In his argument, the competition between nation-states is substituted by the competition between different groups within TCC.

Robinson's perspective adapts very well to the current international relations, and provides a solid analytical tool to understand the outcomes.

There are a few drawbacks:
- Robinson's theory is convincing as it is backed by empirical work for his main argument, however some arguments are not well backed such as the claim that technology tends to move to Global South–quite the opposite is claimed to be what sustains the increased value-added bit of the core transnational corporations (TNC), which in turns determines how the created value is distributed over the value chain, etc.
- The counterpart of TCC is, clearly, proletariat but that aspect is under-theorised. The relationship between the TCC and the producers of value the TCC is essential to show how the accumulation works.
- Sadly, when Robinson does give an explanation, he focuses mainly on USA in-spite of the fact that his approach is non nation-state centric and meant to be worldwide.

[Dawn Matarese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of hated the first half of this book because I was really impatient about listening to him argue with his critics. If you're like me, skip to the second half--I.e. Chapter 4 on. I learned a lot about the significance and reasons for globalization and financialization.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

There must be a crisis so Robinson can sell his wares. Hunger is getting less visible. People are better clothed and better housed. But mark his words: there is a crisis! And we are all much poorer than we'd like to be.

[Kate]

AHHHHhhhh

[Endlessreadingprincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brave and daring book that brings many different aspects of contemporary global capitalism together and dares to name the real danger that is emerging.

[John smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible analysis.