Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy

In an eye-opening exposé on the extreme frontiers of capitalism, a respected historian of ideas unveils the pursuit of free market advocates to achieve their ultimate objective: the eradication of nation-states and the limitations imposed by democratic systems.

Take a glance at a world map, and you'll observe a diverse mosaic of nation-states. However, this portrayal doesn't reflect the true locus of power. In the past decade, globalization has fractured the map, creating distinct legal territories such as free ports, tax havens, and special economic zones. Within these new spaces, ultracapitalists have begun to entertain the notion of liberating themselves entirely from the constraints of democratic governance and accountability.

Crack-Up Capitalism takes us on a captivating journey alongside the most notorious radical libertarians, including iconic figures such as Milton Friedman and Peter Thiel. Historian Quinn Slobodian guides us from the 1970s-era Hong Kong to the final days of apartheid in South Africa, from the neo-Confederate South to the once-untamed American West, from the medieval City of London to the treasure-filled vaults of ultraconservative billionaires. Eventually, we venture into the unforgiving expanses of the open seas and war-torn regions, tracing the relentless pursuit of a blank canvas where market competition can flourish without democratic interference.

Combining extraordinary insights from economic and intellectual history, Crack-Up Capitalism not only provides a fresh perspective on the world but also unveils potential forthcoming perils. With its wealth of intricate details and thought-provoking analysis, Crack-Up Capitalism presents an disconcerting glimpse into a plausible future.