Thorstein Veblen's ideas regarding capitalism, particularly as expressed through his view of the American upper classes of the time, are examined. The work of Veblen himself, as well as other, later economic theorists, is discussed. Particular attention is paid to how Veblen's ideas can be...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to counteract Epstein's views on the alienability of property. Epstein favors limitations of laissez‐faire capitalism regarding such things as guns, liquor, narcotics, certain books and voting and this paper aims to criticize them from the perspective...

Purpose – The paper aims to offer a viewpoint that economic surplus is a notion shared by economists as diverse as Karl Marx and Milton Friedman. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an interpretation and critique of the literature of the work by Marx and Friedman. Findings – The...

Purpose – To address the much heated debate now raging in the international scene, namely between Islam and the West as two great civilization forces of mankind. Design/methodology/approach – The objective is achieved by studying it in the light of rigorous analysis involving the...

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to show that there could still be the possibility of a complementary relationship between capitalism and socialism (effective state), so that a higher human, social and economic order is realised. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a...

Purpose – Capitalist transformation of the public sector is global phenomenon that affects many countries. This paper seeks to examine recent public sector reforms introduced by the Government of Botswana to improve civil service performance. The underlying political philosophy behind the...

Purpose – The wake of a natural disaster is a tumultuous setting. Resources are scarce, actions are quick, and emotions are high. Social commentators have often brought complaints against capitalism for promoting greed and selfishness during and after natural catastrophes. Most recently...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to postulate the possibility of a cooperative economic system within the current global crisis, because it is only determined government action, which is orchestrated by a strong sense of true nationalism that can limit the worst effects of the current...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the causes of failure of the neoliberal model of capitalism and rise of state capitalism. The arguments that efficient market economy can thrive under autocracy are refuted. Design/methodology/approach – Both western neoliberal capitalism and...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the soundness of equating Stalinism and Nazism (Hitlerism), expressed in a resolution adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on July 1, 2009. Design/methodology/approach – The paper...