The nature and functioning of European capitalism: a historical and comparative perspective

The work provides quantitative inter-temporal and international perspectives for assessing performance in 16 European capitalist countries, and examines the forces which have shaped their development. From a historical perspective, the author looks back over the five main phases of the modern capitalist era since 1820, and contrasts their experience with that of the United States and Eastern Europe. Some distinctive features of European capitalism which have influenced its performance are outlined. Changes in Western policy and performance form 1820 to 1973 are then dealt with before the latest phase of development from 1973 to 1996 is analysed in detail. Finally, recent developments in Eastern Europe are assessed and some conclusions regarding the major policy problems facing capitalist countries are reached.