Paradoxes of Prosperity: Why the New Capitalism Benefits All

by Diane Coyle

Diane Coyle brings us a book about why the New Economy with its prospect of improved productivity, faster growth, greater riches and full employment is causing an anti-globalization and anti-capitalism revolution. Political consequences of a new technological framework will undermine certain power elites just as the Industrial Revolution undermined the landed aristocracy. Furthermore, and paradoxically, it was the 1990s boom and affluence that led to peopleÂ's anxiety and insecurity and propelled them to protest. For the first time in nearly 40 years, young people were taking to the streets in mass anti-globalization riots. Local people were stopping projects led by multinationals.

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2001

About the author

Dame Diane Coyle is a British economist, academic and writer. Since March 2018, she has been the Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge, co-directing the Bennett Institute.
Coyle's early career as an economist was followed by a period in journalism including being economics editor at The Independent from 1993 to 2001. She was professor of economics at University of Manchester from 2014 to 2018. She was vice-chair of the BBC Trust from 2011 to 2016 and a member of the UK Competition Commission from 2001 until 2009.
Coyle has written nine books on economics.

Reviews

[Scott Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Some compelling arguments within it and it was interesting to hear how ~20 years ago (as of 2022) people thought the internet would be applied in the future vs how it actually has. A little dated but really great insight how she foresaw how the internet would be used politically and exacerbate divisions within society. Interesting read and great thoughts about the world but probably not a recommend as it's so dated.