A timely look at the role of governments in solving economic crises that learns from the past and proposes a new era of post-ideological capitalism.

Debates over the role of government rage in the wake of America 's deepest financial crisis since the Depression. This book suggests new ways of appreciating the political, legal, and moral context that could bring about a more sound economic future. "Postcapitalism" analyzes the contemporary American predicament plaguing the economy: whether to leave the markets to their own devices or to allow government intervention. Instead of arguing for a capitalist or social democratic ideology, this book suggests that American pragmatism is indeed the choice we have made in the past century and that informs our current policies. This means that from the workplace to foreign aid, Americans are bound to cooperate with each other and collaborate rather than pursue their self-interest in competitive ways. Drawing on thinkers from Adam Smith to Keynes and Bernanke, Sassower shows how a new era of postideological capitalism can emerge in the wake of the current economic crisis.

"This book is written by a philosopher with substantial experience in the world of venture capital finance. Recommended." -CHOICE "Postcapitalism is a welcome antidote to Robert Reich's Supercapitalism. Using examples ranging from immigration to Enron to the credit crunch, Sassower offers a new perspective on the classic social theory conundrum of the 'individual vs. society,' just as economics and sociology now are undergoing a positive re-evaluation of more 'institutional' approaches to social life." -Steve Fuller, University of Warwick