Andy Hines, "Imagining After Capitalism" (Triarchy Press, 2025)
New Books in Critical Theory
Deep Dive
Why did Andy Hines write 'Imagining After Capitalism'?
Andy Hines wrote 'Imagining After Capitalism' to explore positive alternatives to capitalism and provoke discussion about the future. He wanted to use foresight methodologies to create a clear trail of how we might transition from the current system to a post-capitalist one.
What are the three guiding images for a post-capitalist future presented in the book?
The three guiding images are: the environmentally driven Circular Commons, the socially and politically driven Non-Workers’ Paradise, and the technology-driven Tech-Led Abundance.
Why are fear, denial, and false hope significant reactions to capitalism's decline?
These reactions are significant because they reflect a shift from general optimism about the future to apprehension and fear. This shift is partly due to the realization that capitalism, which has served us well for a long time, may be reaching its limits and failing to address current crises.
How does the Circular Commons vision differ from the Non-Workers’ Paradise and Tech-Led Abundance?
The Circular Commons focuses on environmental sustainability and a degrowth economy, organizing resources and social life on a commons basis. The Non-Workers’ Paradise envisions a post-work future with a locally driven, highly participatory, direct democratic approach. Tech-Led Abundance imagines a future where AI and automation solve major economic and social problems.
Why does Andy Hines believe capitalism will not just evolve to address current crises?
Capitalism is a system that produces certain behaviors, and while it has been successful in the past, it is now misaligned with the future context. It cannot produce the results needed to address issues like climate change and inequality, despite ongoing tweaks and adaptations.
What is the role of AI in transitioning to a post-capitalist future?
AI can be both an ally and a disruptor. It can facilitate a tech-led abundance where technology solves major problems, but it can also concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few. The key is how humans decide to use AI, and making wise decisions is crucial.
What are some existing experiments that could lead to the post-capitalist visions in the book?
Experiments like universal basic income (UBI) trials, which have shown positive results on a small scale, provide some evidence that post-work ideas could work. Other small-scale examples of local, direct, participatory democracy also exist, though they are not widespread.
How important is climate change in the argument for a post-capitalist future?
Climate change is one of the big three drivers of the future, alongside inequality and AI. It is particularly important for the Circular Commons vision, which aims to address climate and resource scarcity concerns. Climate change could also act as a global trigger to accelerate the transition to a post-capitalist system.
What advice does Andy Hines offer to those interested in futurism?
Stay positive, stay hopeful, and believe in the power of futures work. Futurists should focus on becoming more effective at implementing long-term visions and helping people understand and co-create the future.
- Three guiding images for a post-capitalist future: Circular Commons, Non-Workers' Paradise, Tech-Led Abundance
- Framework Foresight methodology used to develop the images
- Images based on long-term values shifts and horizon scanning
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