Universal Capitalism or Regional Planning?

I

[8] Of all the great changes witnessed by our generation, none may prove more incisive than that which is transforming the organisation of the international life. Behind the routine of power politics which either serve or, more often, are served by ideologies, we can catch a glimpse of far-flung and meaningful policies which may, albeit incidentally, fulfil the deeply rooted aspirations of the common man. It is probable that the chances of democratic socialism (which most people, even quite recently, would have pronounced to be nil) are greatly improved, although by unexpected paths. But whatever may be the fate of domestic affairs, the political system of the world as a whole has undoubtedly reached a turning point and, as a consequence of this, Great Britain is now standing at the cross-roads. The event is still too close, and too vast, to be clearly discernible, but the sooner we take our bearings the better.

One comes to realise this when making the attempt to describe more precisely the tendencies underlying the foreign policies of Great Britain, Russian, and America; for here it is quite certain that the traditional pattern is not enough. What is at issue between the powers is not s much their place in a given pattern of power, as the pattern itself. Broadly speaking, the United States fits {iato} one pattern, that of nineteenth century society, while all other powers, including Britain herself, belong to another, which is in course of transition to a new form. Each side will, or at least, in reason, should, favour that pattern which tends to keep its side of the balance secure. Obviously it is of paramount importance to read the meaning of these patterns aright.

The tremendous event of our age is the simultaneous downfall of liberal capitalism, world-revolutionary socialism and racial domination - the three competing forms of universalist societies. Their sudden exit followed upon drastic, unheard of changes in human affairs, and the beginning of a new era in international politics.

[9]

Text in English to type

II

[10] [11]

III

[12] [13]

Text Informations

Reference:
Original Publication: “Universal Capitalism or Regional Planning?”, The London Quarterly of World Affairs, January 1945, p. 1-6
KPA: 18/28
Recent Publications:

Lge	Name
EN
DE	„Universaler Kapitalismus oder regionale Planung?“, in POLANYI 2003, p. 338-350
FR	« Capitalisme universel ou planification régionale ? », chap. 35 des Essais de Karl Polanyi, p. 485-494