Understanding Capitalism: Competition, Command, and Change, Fourth Edition, is an introduction to economics that explains how capitalism works, why it sometimes fails, and how it undergoes and brings about change. It discusses both the conventional economic model and the role of power in economic interactions. Understanding Capitalism analyzes how profit-seeking is a source of competition among firms, conflict, and change.

"A good contested exchange alternative to a traditional textbook. Ideal for use in an economics class with an interdisciplinary focus." - Andrew Farrant, Dickinson College

"This is a versatile, comprehensive textbook that introduces undergraduate students to the principles of political economy. In contrast to conventional textbooks, it develops analytical tools for understanding capitalism that are not celebratory of capitalism. Those tools are not presented in isolation, but are integrated with the traditional topics and principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics." - Dr. Jared Ragusett, Central Connecticut State University

"Understanding Capitalism is an (advanced) introductory to intermediate level textbook that seeks to explain the economic behavior of individuals, firms and the government in the context of capitalism as a dynamic economic system." - James A. Polito, Marian University

"When students have been asked to rate the text on a 1 (low) to 5 (high) basis the average has been between 4 and 4.5…The technical level of the text does not seem to be an issue. In fact students remark that it is refreshingly readable in comparison with other economics texts." - Ed Ford, University of South Florida

"Understanding Capitalism is a great introduction to political economy and an excellent alternative to standard texts for introducing students to economics in general. The text's framework and analysis help students develop a critical perspective on the economic and social world around them, like no other textbook on the market does." - Jonathan Cogliano, Dickinson College