How the World Works

"Paul Cockshott’s How the World Works is an important contribution to historical materialism, complementing Marx and Engel’s classic analyses of labour and wealth with a systematic account of how economies and societies are shaped by energy sources and technologies. With a strong focus on transitions from early societies to contemporary capitalism, Cockshott’s dispassionate appraisal of “actually existing socialism,” and sober exploration of plausible communist futures, offer promising new directions for progressive politics." ~Greg Michaelson, Emeritus Professor of Computer Science, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland

"Ranging from pre-class to slave economy, from peasant economy to capitalism, this analytical book provides illuminating insight into the functionality of economic systems. A must-read for those striving to bring down fossil capitalism." ~Oliver Ressler, artist and filmmaker

"This is historical materialism with a strong technological emphasis. A hugely informative account of the capitalist and non-capitalist modes of production—a term Cockshott takes seriously, almost literally. You may well disagree with some of his views, but you will learn a great deal from this highly readable book. Strongly recommended." ~Moshé Machover, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of London; coauthor (with Emmanuel Farjoun), Laws of Chaos: A Probabilistic Approach to Political Economy

"Paul Cockshott, one of the most distinguished contemporary Marxist scientists, advances towards the construction of a new paradigm of 21st Century Socialism, which he calls ‘21st Century Digital Communism.’ His outstanding contributions to the renovation and evolution of Marx and Engel’s scientific paradigm of post-capitalist society give him a special place in the hagiography of contemporary revolutionary intellectuals." ~Heinz Dieterich, Center for Transition Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City-Berlin-Beijing