Capitalism Under Siege: Economic Shifts in the Cold War

Capitalism Under Siege: Economic Shifts in the Cold War by Oliver Shaw explores the profound economic transformations that occurred during the Cold War era, as capitalism faced ideological and practical challenges from communism, socialism, and the shifting global order. The book traces the development of global capitalism from the post-World War II economic boom through the rise of neoliberalism, examining how the Cold War fueled economic competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, as well as the ripple effects in developing nations caught between these superpowers. Shaw delves into the pivotal moments of the Cold War, such as the Keynesian consensus, the neoliberal turn of the 1980s, and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union, offering a detailed analysis of the interplay between politics, economics, and culture. The book also looks at how capitalist economies were tested by crises like the 1973 oil shock and the 2008 financial collapse, offering insight into the resilience and contradictions within capitalism. Through an exploration of key economic policies, global institutions, and the ideological warfare that defined the era, Capitalism Under Siege provides a comprehensive view of the Cold War's lasting impact on global capitalism and its future trajectory in the modern world.