Triumph of Broken Promises

Discover the compelling insights of Triumph of Broken Promises by Fritz Bartel, published by Harvard University Press in 2022. This thought-provoking hardback spans 440 pages and delves into the economic upheavals of the 1970s that impacted both communist and capitalist nations. Bartel presents a critical analysis of why only communist regimes collapsed during this turbulent period. He argues that the resilience of Western democracies was largely due to the protective measures of neoliberalism, which allowed democratic politicians to maintain their legitimacy through market discipline, even amidst austerity measures that proved disastrous for communist governments. This book is essential for anyone interested in the interplay between economics and political legitimacy in the context of historical upheaval. Don’t miss the chance to explore Bartel's groundbreaking perspectives on these pivotal events in modern history.