The Economics of Peace

From the Arab Spring to the Occupy and Tea Party movements, the “What now?” solution to economic disparity and power politics has been largely unarticulated. This work details how the Golden Rule ethic and a technology-driven global consciousness are causing epic shifts in our economic and governing systems. The evolution from nation-state capitalism to a collaborative economy with judicial governance is proving that prosperity is compatible with peace. With ten case studies of successful “Golden Rule” organizations and an innovative study of the reciprocal ethic, this book provides accessible, thought-provoking analysis of rapid worldwide change and forecasts a future of freedom, purpose and hope.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

J. Frederick Arment is director of International Cities of Peace and a founder of the Dayton International Peace Museum.

J. Frederick Arment

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 264
Bibliographic Info: 12 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2015
pISBN: 978-0-7864-9638-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1890-6
Imprint: McFarland

Introduction: Global Consciousness as Manifestation of the Golden Rule 1

Section One: The Relational Ethic of Freedom 13

1. The Motive of Freedom in a Culture of Peace 14

2. The Imperative for an Alternative Gold Standard 23

3. The Archetype of the Golden Rule 30

4. Vision of a Peace Economy 38

5. From the Golden Mean to the Golden Rule 49

Section Two: A Moral Economy 61

6. The Relational Economic System 62

7. Case Study—The Service Sector: Rotary International and the Freedom to Contribute 73

8. Equality in Association 79

9. Case Study—The ­Faith-Based Sector: St. Luke Foundation and the Freedom to Love 89

10. Purposeful Innovation 96

11. Case Study—The Arts Sector: Apple Computer and the Freedom to Create 104

12. Collaborative Distribution 111

13. Case Study—The Environmental Sector: Hindustan Unilever and the Freedom to Sustain 119

14. Fair Reward 124

15. Case Study—The Commerce Sector: Salesforce.com and the Freedom to Trade 131

Section Three: Judicial Governance 137

16. What Is a Judicial Governance System? 138

17. Case Study—The Recreational Sector: The Olympic Spirit and the Freedom to Celebrate 153

18. Case Law and Precedent 158

19. Case Study—The Civic Sector: The High Line and the Freedom to Share 167

20. Equal Access to the Law 174

21. Case Study—The Wellness Sector: Intuitive Surgical Inc. and the Freedom to Heal 185

22. Democratic Judiciary 191

23. Case Study—The Academic Sector: The Khan Academy and the Freedom to Learn 201

24. Fair Enforcement 208

25. Case Study—The Security Sector: iRobot and the Freedom from Fear 219

Section Four: The Case for Transition 225

26. How Do We Transition to a Just Economy? 226

27. Our Future Is Golden 236

Chapter Notes 241

Select Bibliography 248

Index 254

“Highly recommended”—Midwest Book Review