Cowardly Capitalism: The Myth of the Global Financial Casino (Hardcover)

The pinkishness of many Financial Times journalists is legendary, so it's hardly a surprise to learn that former FT man Daniel Ben-Ami is now a senior editor with Morningstar. What is more of a surprise is that anyone connected with a traditional anti-capitalist name should be berating that same economic system for, in effect, not being ruthless and buccaneering enough; for preferring to save and preserve rather than invest and exploit. These are, indeed, interesting times. An intrinsic system of risk management can hinder economic activity, says Ben-Ami in the chapter entitled "Killing The Patient: Why the quest for safety can be dangerous"--a chapter that addresses the problems of sustainable rates of growth and financial instability. Readers would expect certain standards from an author with such a pedigree (FT, Economist Intelligence Unit, The Guardian) and they will not be disappointed. Ben-Ami writes clearly and lucidly, as, for example, in a brief passage on Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK since New Labour came to power in 1997. Ben-Ami highlights the "Iron Chancellor" as an arch-exponent of an approach that refuses to consider the possibility that a degree of instability may often be a price worth paying for faster growth. "In his emphasis on prudence and in his other rhetoric he often sounds more like the manager of a small bank branch than the finance minister of a large economy," says the author. --Brian Bollen

Review
"Ben–Ami′s well–written and thought–provoking book, is bound to attract considerable comment. This book will not be one of your riskier investments."
(Lloyd′s List, 3rd March 2001)

" This is a thoughtful, easy–to–read book which nevertheless tackles big issues from a fresh perspective."
(Portfolio International, May 2001)

"thought–provoking book."
(MoneyWise, June 2001)

"fascinating analysis"
(Financial News,13 August 2001)

"His is a brilliant introduction to the impenetrable world of high finance and an uncompromising analysis of its function in the contemporary economy."
(The Independent, 23rd June 2001)

"well–documented short book...a book to make you think"
(IFS News, June 2001)

"excellent book"
(www.zdnet.co.uk 23 October 2001)


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