John Kenneth Galbraith

John Kenneth Galbraith: The Economist as Political Theorist is a comprehensive analysis of John Kenneth Galbraith's political economy, placing him within the development and evolution of twentieth century American liberalism. This book examines the continuing link between politics and economics in American political discourse by locating Galbraith in a framework of liberal and conservative theory, controversy, alternatives, and policy. By analyzing Galbraith's complex arguments, Waligorski addresses important issues about the content and nature of American political thought and policy conflict—including freedom, equality, inequality, individualism, democracy, the legitimate role of government, the nature of a good society, the structure of modern capitalism, and the failure of contemporary economic theory to serve as a guide to a better life. Many of the issues that drive contemporary politics today are simultaneously political, economic, and ideological. As an economist, political theorist, and cultural critic, Galbraith epitomizes this interconnection.

Waligorski lights up the less examined side of Galbraith: the explicitly political ideas that made him reformist liberalism's leading policy provisioner. He shows just where Galbraith's trenchant attack on conservative political economy comes from and where it applies today. Astute, honest, and full of insight, this is a uniquely valuable sourcebook for these troubled times., In John Kenneth Galbraith: The Economist as Political Theorist, Conrad Waligorski continues his insightful, critical analysis of the political import of economic theories and ideas. In his typically thorough manner, Waligorski does a superb job in presenting the inclusiveness of Galbraith’s brand of liberalism and his undogmatic orientation toward competing points of view. In the process he reminds us of the continued importance of much of Galbraith’s thinking and analyses for contemporary political economy., Recommended., This book provides a detailed and insightful examination of Galbraith's thought, and brings out well his contribution as a quintessential American liberal., Waligorski's new work shows why Galbraith was not just a maverick economist or a populizer of abstract economic ideas, but also a major contributor to the development of liberal political thought in the second half of the 20th century. Highly recommended.

Conrad Waligorski is professor of political science at the University of Arkansas.