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IJED Articles 
Erik Olin Wright and the Anti-Capitalish Emancipatory Project
Edward Martin
IJED, Vol. 17 No. 2,
80-102 (2024)
The devastating effects of neoliberal economics over the past forty years have laid the foundation for resistance to capitalism. Under this system, an increased accumulation of wealth and assets by elites has taken place while a growing majority of Americans continue a marginalized existence. Concern for the well-being of Americans according to Eric Olin Wright. He that capitalism mitigated through public policy is impossible if not delusional. Evidence of policy capture is dominated by elites and results in what Wright describes a “nihilistic capitalism.” Wright then argues that the rational alternative is to jettison capitalism in favor of a socialist alternative, “anti-capitalism.” He bases this on metaphors described as “taming” and “eroding” capitalism. These two are in opposition to “smashing” and escaping” capitalism. I argue, however, that the taming and eroding dimensions of the anti-capitalist model must incorporate basic “economic rights” since taming and eroding fail to guarantee access food, housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and energy, the basics for a decent life. The optimal policy strategy is to insulate individuals and communities from the negative externalities of capitalism.
