' This book is an excellent explanation of why capitalism is not just successful but morally
right ' Elon Musk 'A joyful counterblast... packed with vivid examples... decisive' The
Economist 'Compelling... Masterful' Daily Mail 'A timely reminder of the benefits of free
and open trade' Financial Times A vital exploration of capitalism and the benefits it brings
to global society. Marx and Engels were right when they observed in The Communist Manifesto
that free markets had in a short time created greater prosperity and more technological
innovation than all previous generations combined. A century and a half later all the evidence
shows that capitalism has lifted millions from hunger and poverty. Nonetheless today's story
about global capitalism shared by right-wing and left-wing populists - and by large sections
of the political and economic establishment - accepts that prosperity has been created but
says it ended up in far too few hands. This in turn has made it popular to talk about the
global economy as a geopolitical zero-sum game where we must fight to control new innovations
introduce trade barriers and renationalize supply chains. More generally capitalism is also
accused of fuelling glaring inequality populist revolts climate change and China's global
conquest. In this incisive and passionate investigation Johan Norberg instead restates the
case for capitalism and the vital role played by the free market in today's uncertain world.
Ultimately he argues that a move away from global capitalism would not only squeeze the growth
out of the economy but also deepen an already large social exclusion for the vulnerable - for
the world's poor it would be a killing blow.
