“What do you want?” is a constant query put to economic and globalization activists decrying current poverty, alienation, and degradation. In this highly praised new work, destined to attract worldwide attention and support, Michael Albert provides an answer: “Participatory Economics” — “Parecon” for short — a new economy, an alternative to capitalism, built on familiar values including solidarity, equity, diversity, and people democratically controlling their own lives.
“Michael Albert has offered an alternative system of participatory economics to end the dehumanizing failures and injustices of free market capitalism. It is a compelling book for our times.” — Ben H. Bagdikian, author of The Media Monopoly
“A program of radical reconstruction, presenting a vision that draws from a rich tradition of thought and practice of the libertarian left and popular movements, but adding novel critical analysis and specific ideas and modes of implementation. It merits close attention, debate, and action.” — Noam Chomsky
“Michael Albert is an important thinker who takes us beyond radical denunciations and pretentious “analysis” to a thoughtful, profound meditation on what a good society can be like.…” — Howard Zinn
“Capitalism not working for you? Michael Albert may be tilting at windmills, but readers are flocking to his book on a system to spread the wealth and work.” — Los Angeles Times
“Parecon is a brave argument for . . . a much needed…more equitable, democratic, participatory…alternative economic vision.” — Arundhati Roy
Michael Albert helped found and establish South End Press and Z Magazine, among other institutions. A long-time activist, he now maintains Z’s internationally acclaimed web site Znet (www.zmag.org). He has written numerous books and countless articles dealing with, among other topics, economics, vision, social change, strategy, globalization, and war and peace.