Originally published in 1976. This collection of essays addresses the question of whether a free market economy, suitably modified as a social market economy according to the aspirations and requirements of individual societies, could be effectively recreated. In the face of the trends of the time towards collectivism, private ownership under state control, this was a main issue of the world economy in the post-Keynesian time. Previously it was held that some form of intervention by either national or supranational governments was an essential precondition for progress and stability world-wide, but this collection of essays suggests that this very interventionism created a level of instability that required a new set of ground rules. It considers how to plan for free market systems in a rigorous manner and assesses the real world problems of the day.

Originally published in 1976. This collection of essays addresses the question of whether a free market economy, suitably modified as a social market economy according to the aspirations and requirements of individual societies, could be effectively recreated. In the face of the trends of the time towards collectivism, private ownership under state control, this was a main issue of the world economy in the post-Keynesian time. Previously it was held that some form of intervention by either national or supranational governments was an essential precondition for progress and stability world-wide, but this collection of essays suggests that this very interventionism created a level of instability that required a new set of ground rules. It considers how to plan for free market systems in a rigorous manner and assesses the real world problems of the day.

A fascinating manifesto, proposing that the world should be split into smaller regions to distribute power more evenly. Written by one of the most original political thinkers of the 20th century, in The Breakdown of Nations, Leopold Kohr shows that throughout history people living in small states are happier, more peaceful, more creative and more prosperous. He argues that virtually all our political and social problems would be greatly diminished if the world’s major countries were to dissolve back into the small states from which they sprang. Rather than making even larger political unions, in the mistaken belief that this will bring peace and security, we should minimise the aggregation of power by returning to a patchwork of small, relatively powerless states where leaders are accessible to and responsive to the people. Originally published in 1957, this new edition features forewords by Neal Ascherson and Richard Body. The material has been noted for its striking relevance to the current political situation, with globalisation, war, nuclear weapons and the rise of electronic gadgets leading to concern over whether we should re-examine the implications of the size of political groupings, whether they be states, nations or federations. In these turbulent times, recognise the beauty and potential in small political nations with this inspiring read.