Poverty of Political Economy Hardcover

"The Poverty of Political Economy: How Economics Abandoned the Poor" by Meghnad Desai is a compelling and critical examination of the evolution of economic thought and its often-overlooked implications for the world's poor. Desai, a prominent political economist, traces the trajectory of economics from Adam Smith to contemporary times, scrutinizing how the discipline, in its pursuit of scientific rigor and mathematical precision, has increasingly distanced itself from the pressing issues of poverty and inequality. The book raises vital questions about the shortcomings of economic theory in addressing global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis, ultimately arguing for a necessary return to a more holistic and humane political economy that prioritizes the welfare of the poor and seeks to create a more equitable and just society.