“Wealth and Power” explores how money, in its various forms, has shaped human history, influencing class structures, power dynamics, and economic development. It argues that money is not merely a neutral tool but a social construct that actively shapes societal hierarchies. For instance, control over monetary systems historically influenced the stability and strength of empires, while access to wealth has shaped class divisions and social mobility. The book traces monetary systems from ancient barter to modern digital finance, examining their role in social and political change. It reveals how historical contexts, like political ideologies and social norms, facilitated the adoption and evolution of these systems. By integrating historical sources with quantitative and qualitative analysis, “Wealth and Power” provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between money, power, and society.
The book progresses by introducing core concepts related to money, wealth, and power, and then moves to examining key epochs in monetary history. It analyzes money's impact on the rise and fall of empires and its effect on social stratification. The book concludes by discussing implications for the modern global economy, including financial crises and income inequality.
