Understanding Marx and Marxian Class Theory
We present a simple guide to Marx, Marxian class theory, Marx’s theory of history, and Marx’s economic theories to help westerners understand what Marx was all about.
Capitalism
Capitalism is a system based on trade, profit, and private ownership as opposed to a system of common ownership and state control. Capitalism comes in a number of different forms, as long as individuals direct their own capital, it is capitalism.
Capitalism is to economics what democracy is to government, a system in which majority rule and individualism collide and excesses and deficiencies of liberty and equality are realized.
Civil Religion
“Civil Religion” is the civic “religion” of a nation. It doesn’t describe the theological religion of a nation, but rather a quasi-religious shared identity built around national symbolism and customs.
Neoliberal Globalization and Nativist Protectionism Explained
We explain neoliberalism, globalization, nativism, and protectionism and the pros and cons of “neoliberal globalization” and “nativist protectionism.”
How Currency Gets into Circulation and What Happens to it
Below we explain how currency gets into circulation via the Treasury, Federal Reserve, and banks, and the role Congress, banks, businesses, and you play in the process.
Andrew Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth Explained and Annotated
Below we present an annotated version of Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay Wealth (better known as the Gospel of Wealth).
Understanding Cronyism and Monopolies
We explain two types of special interests: cronyism (politicians working with corporate interests) and monopolies / oligopolies (the consolidating of corporate power in a given industry to one or few entities).
Populism, Globalization, Nativism, Nationalism, and Other Such Terms
We explain populism, globalization, nativism, nationalism, neoliberalism, modernization, and other terms important for understanding modern world politics.
Is America an Oligarchy?
The United States is a Federal Republic with democratic values that some claim contains a growing oligarchy (or corporatocracy). We look at those claims.
Wealth and Income Inequality
We explain economic inequality from a historical perspective, and then consider the effects of wealth inequality and income inequality in America today.