Money – 5,000 Years of Debt and Power

Michel Aglietta

Description

Economist Michel Aglietta delves into the deep history of money, exploring its evolution from ancient systems of debt and tribute to its role in modern economies. Aglietta traces the roots of money, revealing how it has always been intertwined with power, social structures, and political systems. He examines the various functions of money—as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a unit of account—and how its role has shaped, and been shaped by, different economic and political forces throughout history.

The book also explores the development of financial institutions, central banking, and monetary policy, offering insights into how money and debt have been crucial in the rise and fall of empires, the regulation of markets, and the shaping of contemporary global capitalism. Aglietta’s analysis highlights the power dynamics at play in the creation and control of money, making connections between past and present economic systems. 

For economics students, Money: 5,000 Years of Debt and Power is an invaluable resource that offers a historical perspective on the evolution of money and its broader implications for society. It encourages readers to rethink the traditional understanding of money and consider its role in shaping both economies and power structures.

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