Book Title: Poverty and Neo-Liberalism: Persistence and Reproduction in the Global South

Author: Ray Bush

Reviewer: Susan Jones

Publisher: Pluto Press

The book entitled, Poverty and Neo-Liberalism: Persistence and Reproduction in the Global South, by Ray Bush, provides a comprehensive critique as well as alternatives to Corporate Globalization, is scheduled to be published in April 2007.

Why do so many people worldwide suffer hunger and poverty when there is enough food and other resources globally to prevent it? This book shows how famine and food insecurity are an essential part of modern capitalism. Although trade, debt relief and development initiatives are important, they do not alter the structure of the global economy and the poverty that is created by processes like privatisation, trade liberalisation and market reform.

Despite the rhetoric of the World Bank and the G8, high levels of poverty actually sustain western wealth and power. But there is some hope for change. Using case studies from Egypt and North Africa, Nigeria, Sudan and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, Ray Bush illustrates that there is resistance to neoliberal policies, and that struggles over land, mining and resources can shape real alternatives to existing globalisation.

"This thoroughly researched book unveils the conceptual uses and abuses of ‘poverty’. … Ray Bush breaks new ground in the way we think about class and other social struggles in Africa," says Patrick Bond, Director, University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Civil Society, Durban, South Africa.

"Bush explains eloquently and powerfully the persistence and deepening of poverty in Africa. Essential reading for those interested in African studies, imperialism and global justice," says John Loxley, Professor of Economics and Research Co-ordinator, Global Political Economy Program, University of Manitoba.

"Truly refreshing and engaging. … The book departs from the mainstream development discourse on poverty and inequality to offer a radical political economy alternative that is at once courageous, stimulating and thought-provoking. Every student of international political economy should read it," says Adebayo Olukoshi, Executive Secretary, CODESRIA.

– Reviewed for The Canadian Blog.

Book Title: Poverty and Neo-Liberalism: Persistence and Reproduction in the Global South

Author: Ray Bush

Reviewer: Susan Jones

Publisher: Pluto Press

The book entitled, Poverty and Neo-Liberalism: Persistence and Reproduction in the Global South, by Ray Bush, provides a comprehensive critique as well as alternatives to Corporate Globalization, is scheduled to be published in April 2007.

Why do so many people worldwide suffer hunger and poverty when there is enough food and other resources globally to prevent it? This book shows how famine and food insecurity are an essential part of modern capitalism. Although trade, debt relief and development initiatives are important, they do not alter the structure of the global economy and the poverty that is created by processes like privatisation, trade liberalisation and market reform.

Despite the rhetoric of the World Bank and the G8, high levels of poverty actually sustain western wealth and power. But there is some hope for change. Using case studies from Egypt and North Africa, Nigeria, Sudan and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, Ray Bush illustrates that there is resistance to neoliberal policies, and that struggles over land, mining and resources can shape real alternatives to existing globalisation.

"This thoroughly researched book unveils the conceptual uses and abuses of ‘poverty’. … Ray Bush breaks new ground in the way we think about class and other social struggles in Africa," says Patrick Bond, Director, University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Civil Society, Durban, South Africa.

"Bush explains eloquently and powerfully the persistence and deepening of poverty in Africa. Essential reading for those interested in African studies, imperialism and global justice," says John Loxley, Professor of Economics and Research Co-ordinator, Global Political Economy Program, University of Manitoba.

"Truly refreshing and engaging. … The book departs from the mainstream development discourse on poverty and inequality to offer a radical political economy alternative that is at once courageous, stimulating and thought-provoking. Every student of international political economy should read it," says Adebayo Olukoshi, Executive Secretary, CODESRIA.

– Reviewed for The Canadian Blog.