This book argues that the West is in economic decline due to three
interrelated factors, described as the Guns-Oil-Oligarchy nexus. It
explains how the rise of the West as the world's current hegemon has
resulted in an ecological overshoot, the rise of neoliberalism and its
slash-and-burn model of continuous growth, extraction, expansion and
conquest. With this model pushing against planetary boundaries,
threatening ecological disaster, and depleting many resources the
Guns-Oil-Oligarchy nexus has deepened its stranglehold on society.
This book then dissects the Guns-Oil-Oligarchy nexus. First it
describes who the Oligarchs are and how they expand and consolidate
their power and influence, and stifle innovation, undermine democracy,
hinder responses to climate change, and contribute to militarization
and conflict. Secondly, the book explains how Oil has been essential
for the economic rise of the West and how it will feature in its
decline. Third, the book identifies the rise and influence of the
West's Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) as contributing to the West's
economic decline. It is shown that the MIC constitutes an oligarchy
and, like all oligarchies, uses lobbying, campaign contributions, and
control of the mainstream media to expand and consolidate power.
Silicon Valley's integration into the MIC is also examined, driven by
the search for new profit opportunities as traditional markets become
saturated. This book shows why the Guns–Oil–Oligarchy nexus is a
simple explanation for the West's economic decline, and how its
understanding offers a simple solution to avert further economic
decline: the oligarchs' grip must be broken.
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Guns, Oil and Oligarchs
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9783031822995
Publisert
2025
Utgiver
Springer Nature
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter