Freedom for sale

Description

Democratic liberalism v. authoritarianism – the ideological divide that defined the twentieth century. But when the cold war ended, "the end of history" was proclaimed. Soon the fire of freedom would burn worldwide, the experts said. And where markets were freed, human rights would inevitably follow. Or not. In the last twenty years, nations including India, Russia, China and the United Arab Emirates have disproved the idea that capitalism and democracy are inextricably linked. Emerging middle classes have proven themselves all too willing to sacrifice certain democratic rights – including free speech, an open media, and free elections – in exchange for prosperity. But they are not alone. We are all doing it. Alarmingly, Western democracy has adopted some of the attributes of that authoritarianism. Combining boots on the ground reporting with incisive analysis, award-winning journalist John Kampfner describes this alarming trend – one which has only been exacerbated by the global economic meltdown – and what citizens must do to counter it.

Description

Why is it that so many people around the world appear willing to give up freedoms in return for either security or prosperity? For the past 60 years it had been assumed that capitalism was intertwined with liberal democracy, that the two not just thrived together but needed each other to survive.

Subjects

Other Editions

• Freedom for sale: how we made money and lost our libertySimon & Schuster2009-01-01
• Freedom for SaleSimon & Schuster, Limited2009-01-01
• Freedom for saleBasic Books2009-01-01
• Freedom for saleBasic Books2009-01-01
• Freedom for SaleElectronic resourceBasic Books2010-01-01
• Freedom for SaleReadHowYouWant.com, Limited2010-01-01