Policy Press

From Capital to Commons

Exploring the Promise of a World beyond Capitalism

By Hannes Gerhardt

Published

Nov 12, 2024

Page count

264 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529224542

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 19, 2023

Page count

264 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529224535

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 19, 2023

Page count

264 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529224559

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 19, 2023

Page count

264 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529224559

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
From Capital to Commons

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title in Economics 2023.

In this stimulating analysis, Hannes Gerhardt outlines the potentials and challenges of a technology-enabled, commons-focused transition out of capitalism.

The book shows that openness and cooperation are more beneficial in today’s economies and societies than competition and profit-seeking. Driven by this conviction, Gerhardt identifies key imperatives for overcoming capitalism, from democratizing our digital, material, and financial economies to maintaining a robust, political mobilization. Using clear examples, he explores tactical openings through the lens of ‘compeerism’, a newly constructed framework that highlights the latent counter-capitalist possibilities, but also limits, of our emerging technological landscape.

This is an accessible contribution to counter-capitalist discourse that is both inspiring and pragmatic for academics and activists alike.

"A thoughtful, ambitious vision for how commoners might leverage digital technologies and open-source practices to usher in a humane, satisfying post-capitalist world. In a time when people’s aspirations for a better world have shrivelled and curdled, Gerhardt invites us to consider the feasible possibilities, if we dare." David Bollier, Schumacher Center for a New Economics

"How do we prevent the appropriation of the commons by capital, and instead, generate capital for the commons? Hannes Gerhardt has written a very useful primer on the way forward.” Michel Bauwens, P2P Foundation

Hannes Gerhardt is Professor of Geography at the University of West Georgia.

Introduction

PART I: Contemporary Capitalism and the Promise of the Digital Revolution

1. Theorizing Capitalism and its Demise

2. The Digital Commons' Elusive Potential

3. Taking Back the Interest

PART II: The Material Economy and the Commons

4. Democratizing Infrastructure

5. The Promise of 'Design Global, Manufacture Local'

6. Contending With the Limits of Our Natural World

PART III: Money and Value

7. Coping With Money's Monopoly on Value

8. Reinventing Money's Role in the Economy

PART IV: In Pursuit of a Post-Capitalist Future

9. Compeerists of the World Unite!

10. A Compeerist Society

Conclusion