Policy Press

Post-Corona Capitalism

The Alternatives Ahead

By Andreas Nölke

This book draws on comparative and international political economy to explore alternative options for future economic development in the wake of COVID-19. Covering all major infrastructures of contemporary capitalism affected by the pandemic, it analyses the impacts of the crisis on our global socio-economic-political systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a Rorschach test for society: everyone sees something different in it, and the range of political and economic responses to the crisis can leave us feeling overwhelmed.

This book cuts through the confusion, dissecting the new post-coronavirus capitalism into several policy areas and spheres of action to inform academic, policy and public discourse.

Covering all the major aspects of contemporary capitalism that have been affected by the pandemic, Andreas Nölke deftly analyses the impacts of the crisis on our socio-economic and political systems. Signposting a new era for global capitalism, he offers alternatives for future economic development in the wake of COVID-19.

“Looking for a guide to the challenges facing the global economy in a post-pandemic world? This is it - clear, comprehensive and masterful. An instructive roadmap to an uncertain future.” Benjamin J. Cohen, University of California, Santa Barbara

"How should the economy be restructured post-pandemic? Nölke provides a perfect guide, masterfully outlining alternatives across many issues, while encouraging readers to choose their preferred future and work towards it." Eric Helleiner, University of Waterloo

Andreas Nölke is Professor of Political Science at Goethe University Frankfurt.

1. Introduction: Confronting a Multidimensional Crisis of Capitalism

Part 1: Capitalism and Society

2. Health Systems: Private or Public?

3. Welfare State: Restoration or Universal Basic Income?

4. Reproductive Work: Positive Re-evaluation or the Same Old Neglect?

5. Gendered Occupations: Equality or Back to Traditional Patterns?

6. Migration: Closed Borders or Open Doors?

7. Inequality: Increase or Reduction?

Part 2: Domestic Institutions of Capitalism on the Demand Side

8. Monetary Policy: Democratic or Technocratic?

9. Fiscal Policy: Absolute Ceiling or no Limits to Deficit Spending?

10. Tax Policy: Conventional or Unconventional Measures?

11. Industrial Policy: Laissez-faire or State Leadership?

Part 3: Domestic Institutions of Capitalism on the Supply Side

12. Corporate Governance: Public Responsibility or Shareholder Value?

13. Finance: Fragile or Stable?

14. Industrial Relations and Training: Strengthening or Weakening of Unions?

15. Innovation: Frugal or Radical?

16. Competition Policy: Economic Concentration as Vice or Virtue?

Part 4: The International Institutions of Capitalism

17. Global Production Networks: Diversification or Reshoring?

18. Foreign Direct Investment: Promotion or Restriction?

19. Investor–State Dispute Settlement: Business as Usual or Moratorium?

20. Trade Policy: Liberalism or Protectionism?

21. Intellectual Property Rights: Global Commons for Vaccines or Private Property?

22. Global Health Governance: Intergovernmental or Private–Public Networks?

23. Foreign Debt in the Global South: Permanent Write-off or Temporary Relief?

Part 5: Anthropocene Capitalism

24. Climate Change: Cheap Dirty Energy or Green New Deal?

25. Degrowth: Necessity or Fantasy?

26. Agriculture: Global Supply Chains or Local Community Support?

Part 6: Geo-economic Shifts in Global Capitalism

27. China–US Struggle for Global Economic Hegemony: Contender or Incumbent?

28. EU Economic Governance: Erosion or Integration?

29. The Political Economy of Security: Less or More Protection?

Part 7: Ideologies in Contemporary Capitalism

30. Authoritarian or Democratic Capitalism?

31. Liberal or Organized Capitalism?

32. Communitarian or Cosmopolitan Capitalism?

33. Conclusion: Competing Visions of Capitalism and their Perspectives