Will western states retain social market economies or pursue libertarian, small-government policies? The economic decline behind this dilemma has been attributed to globalisation, but the true danger for the citizen arises from local turbo-capitalism and the misuse of the limited liability company which damages society and weakens social cohesion. What arose as a legal necessity to ensure businesses ran smoothly now wields a disproportionate amount of power, not just in business but in wider society.

Multilateral organisations are in decline and provide no solutions and the nation state has only one effective weapon at its disposal, the largely ignored company law. In this thought-provoking book, with a focus on the UK and an insightful look into the international business world including the US, China and India, author Derek Hammersley challenges current political economic thinking.

He sets out the historic background and suggests sound new principles, drawing on established philosophical positions and ideas to outline a radical redrafting of company law and consequently the most equal basis from which to create a more just and fair future for society. .