Available open access digitally under CC-BY licence.
Is it easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism?
Drawing on extensive archival research in the UK and the US, this book uncovers how Cold War planners planned to keep capitalism alive even after a nuclear apocalypse.
Through scenario planning, US officials anticipated capitalist recovery, while UK strategies prioritised preserving elite power and restoring the class system.
By tracing these contrasting imaginaries, the book reveals how capitalism is projected beyond the apocalypse and explores alternative economic futures that emerge when the unthinkable is taken seriously.
This publication was supported by the University of Essex's open access fund?.
| ISBN: | 9781529248760 |
| Publication date: | 15th September 2026 |
| Author: | John Preston |
| Publisher: | Bristol University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 240 pages |
| Genres: |
Capitalism Social impact of disasters / accidents (natural or man-made) Sociology Political economy Economic and financial crises and disasters |
Available open access digitally under CC-BY licence. Is it easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism? Drawing on extensive archival research in the UK and the US, this book uncovers how Cold War planners planned to keep capitalism alive even after a nuclear apocalypse. Through scenario planning, US officials anticipated capitalist recovery, while UK strategies prioritised preserving elite power and restoring the class system. By tracing these contrasting imaginaries, the book reveals how capitalism is projected beyond the apocalypse and explores alternative economic futures that emerge when the unthinkable is taken seriously.
Apocalypse Capitalism features in the following genres: Capitalism, Social impact of disasters / accidents (natural or man-made), Sociology, Political economy, Economic and financial crises and disasters
Paperback. £25.19, down from the £27.99 cover price. Not Available.
Apocalypse Capitalism was written by John Preston and published by Bristol University Press
Apocalypse Capitalism has 240 pages
£25.19, reduced from £27.99. Not Available.