Predatory Plutocracy
A stern verdict by Skidelsky&Skidelsky after a long and measured argument (from p. 181 of their book, here):
Our leaders can offer no more than a continuation of economic growth for ever and ever; and this despite the plentiful evidence that the capitalist system in our part of the world is entering its degenerative phase. The chief sign of this is the dominance of finance in love with itself but increasingly bereft of useful things to do. The Anglo-American version of individualistic capitalism is kept going largely for the benefit of a predatory plutocracy, whose members cream off the richest prizes while justifying their predation in the language of freedom and globalization.
An even sterner verdict, perhaps, than my suggestion (in _Assholes_ ch. 6) that the U.S. faces grave *risks* of tipping into Asshole Capitalism, if it isn’t there already. The risks might not pan out given a possible resurgence of cooperation. (Yes, I’m *hoping*. No, I’m not holding my breath.)
