John Cassidy's Optimistic Take on Reforming Capitalism

In his book "Der Kapitalismus und seine Kritiker" (Capitalism and Its Critics), journalist John Cassidy offers an engaging tour through 250 years of economic intellectual history. The work culminates in a surprisingly optimistic conclusion: capitalism can be reformed, but only under one condition. Cassidy, a staff writer at The New Yorker, synthesizes critiques from figures like Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes to argue that capitalism is not a fixed system but an evolving one. The condition for reform, according to Cassidy, is a renewed commitment to democratic governance and public intervention to temper market excesses. The book, originally published in English as "Capitalism and Its Critics," has been translated into German. Cassidy's analysis spans from Adam Smith to contemporary economists, weaving a narrative that is both knowledgeable and entertaining. The review appeared in Süddeutsche Zeitung, highlighting Cassidy's ability to make complex economic ideas accessible. The book's release in German adds to ongoing debates about the future of capitalism in Europe.