"This Handbook provides an overview of established and cutting-edge contributions to political economic thought. Chapters by leading and emerging scholars showcase the diverse approaches and productive debates among researchers. Separate sections of the book deal with political economy as an...

The Economic Theory of Socialism and the Labour-Managed Firm focuses on market socialism and the relevant debate among economic theorists. It argues that market socialism is the only rational form of socialism and that market socialism with labour-managed firms is by far the best form of market...

This book focuses on one of the most important features of the contemporary Japanese economy; cross shareholding - or mutual shareholding - between corporations. The book analyses recent trends and the reasons behind these, and discusses the implications for the entire Japanese economic system...

The "third way" is a term often used by politicians and others to indicate a set of new policies adopted by former social democratic parties throughout the world. This book is an attempt to dissect the ideas and economic theory behind the rhetoric of the "third way" through a critical evaluation...

This illuminating and thought-provoking book questions whether classical Islamic capitalism, which has served Muslims so well for centuries, can provide a viable alternative world economic system. In the current recession--the worst since 1929--this is surely a provocative question. But if...

Contents: Preface Introduction: The cooperative firm as an alternative to the capital-owned business enterprise -- 1. Democratic firms and socialism -- 2. An up-to-date model of marxism: A socialist system without any communist colouring -- 3. The revolutionary impetus of marxism versus...

Agricultural cooperatives and producer organizations are institutional innovations which have the potential to reduce poverty and improve food security. This book presents a raft of international case studies, from developing and transition countries, to analyse the internal and external...

"This incisive Handbook provides a global update on the state of knowledge in cooperatives and mutuals, expertly describing future directions for research and education. Showcasing extensive discussions of cooperative theory, Matthew Elliott and Michael Boland, and the contributors assess...

1. Introduction -- 2. The birth of cooperative enterprise : where, when, how -- 3. What is a cooperative? -- 4. The development of cooperation in the world -- 5. The cooperative movement in Italy -- 6. The economic performance of cooperative enterprises -- 7. Cooperative governance -- 8. Conclusion