Guide Bits: 4 February 2023
Martin Wolf
Review by way of The Economist
For anybody sufficiently old to recollect the autumn of communism, current historical past has been one thing of a shock. The triumph of liberal political and financial methods has been spoilt: by rich-country blunders, the rise of authoritarian China, and in the end by a distressing lack of religion in democracy itself in what was as soon as referred to as the free world. This disaster of democracy appears much less dire than it did a yr or two in the past, due to political change in America and missteps by China and Russia. However the hazard has not handed, and the necessity to perceive democracy’s retreat stays pressing.
Raymond W. Baker
Summary by way of writer (Penguin/Berrett-Koehler)
Over the past half century, capitalism has created the means for trillions of {dollars}, euros, kilos, and different shops of wealth to maneuver invisibly—past the management of central bankers, legislation enforcement brokers, and worldwide establishments. With a whole monetary secrecy system now dominating capitalist operations, riches stream inexorably upward and speed up financial inequality. And rising inequality is immediately imperiling—weakening, obstructing, and degrading—democracy. This ebook just isn’t a screed in opposition to capitalism—it’s a name for capitalism to return to its roots, reenergizing its synergies with democracy.
Liran Einav, et al.
Podcast with co-author by way of StackingBenjamins.com
Wish to impress your folks at your subsequent neighborhood cookout? Not solely inform them that you just saved cash in your insurance coverage, but additionally humblebrag that you just listened to right now’s present and truly perceive WHY you made higher choices. MIT professor Amy Finkelstein joins us with tales about insurances gone improper, sharing particulars so that you higher perceive how the system works. We’ll speak about, amongst different issues, why well being insurers need to know in case you go to the gymnasium (not the rationale you assume), what American Airways has to do with insurance coverage nightmares, and why your organization solely gives “open enrollment” as soon as per yr.
Larry Clinton, ed
Summary by way of writer (Georgetown U. Press)
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the US are intensive, affecting every part from nationwide safety and democratic elections to vital infrastructure and financial system. Previously decade, the variety of cyberattacks in opposition to American targets has elevated exponentially, and their affect has been extra expensive than ever earlier than. A profitable cyber-defense can solely be mounted with the cooperation of each the federal government and the non-public sector, and solely when particular person company leaders combine cybersecurity technique all through their organizations.
Siddharth Kara
Review by way of The New York Occasions
Cobalt, a mineral important to the batteries of sensible gadgets and electrical autos — and due to this fact to the long run — is haunted by a previous of slavery and colonialism. The cellphone in your hand accommodates a number of grams of this component; a few of it, as Siddharth Kara reveals in “Cobalt Purple,” was doubtless mined by folks hacking away in poisonous pits for subsistence wages.
Used as a supply of blue pigment since antiquity, cobalt has joined blood diamonds and forced-labor shrimp as the most recent bête noire of critics of globalization. Practically half of the world’s reserves are discovered within the Democratic Republic of Congo, a conflict-stricken nation that has lengthy been the location of a geopolitical scramble for strategic assets.
Please be aware that the hyperlinks to books above are affiliate hyperlinks with Amazon.com and James Picerno (a.okay.a. The Capital Spectator) earns cash in case you purchase one of many titles listed. Additionally be aware that you’ll not pay further for a ebook regardless that it generates income for The Capital Spectator. By buying books via this web site, you present help for The Capital Spectator’s free content material. Thanks!
