Capitalism Against Capitalism
Series EC (WHURR)
Communism has collapsed. Capitalism has rid itself of the
competition on which it thrives. But though now victorious,
capitalism has become a threat. The future of us all may be shaped
by the outcome of the conflict between capitalism as victor and
capitalism as threat. Not only in Europe, but also in the US and
Japan - and no doubt shortly in the Eastern countries too - the
great debate is capitalism versus capitalism.
On the one hand is the "neo-American" model based on individual
achievement and short-term profits. On the other is the Rhine model
practices in Switzerland, Germany, Benelux, Northern Europe and,
partly, in Japan. In the Rhine model collective achievement and
public concensus are seen as the keys to long-term success.
The first is more seductive, the second more effective. These
two opposing forms of capitalism are engaged in a war which, like
all internal conflicts, involves both secrecy and even hypocrisy.
The outcome of this struggle could affect the quality of life on
all levels of society.
The author of this book aims to provide a synthesis which will
force the reader to consider the political and economic issues at
stake towards the end of the century.
Chapter 1. Introduction 1
Chapter 2. America is Back 20
Chapter 3. America Backwards 39
Chapter 4. Fame and Finance 62
Chapter 5. Insurance: A Study in Contrasts 84
Chapter 6. The Other Capitalism 99
Chapter 7. The Economic Superiority of the Rhine Model 127
Chapter 8. The Social Superiority of the Rhine Model 147
Chapter 9. The Rhine Model in Retreat 169
Chapter 10. The American Hare Versus the Rhine Tortoise 191
Chapter 11. The Second German Lesson 211
Chapter 12. France at the Crossroads of Europe 230
Chapter 13. Conclusion 250
