
From Capital to Commons
Exploring the Promise of a World beyond Capitalism
Hannes Gerhardt(Author)
Bristol University Press
1st Edition
Published on 19. July 2023
Book
Hardback
264 pages
978-1-5292-2453-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"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 FoundationMore details
Series
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Not illustrated
Dimensions
Height: 161 mm
Width: 242 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
540 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5292-2453-5 (9781529224535)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
11/2024
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€35.00
Shipment within 3-4 weeks

E-Book
07/2023
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€46.99
Available for download
Person
Hannes Gerhardt is Professor of Geography at the University of West Georgia.
Content
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
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