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COMMONS MAGAZINE

Economy and Markets

Conventional economic theory fails to account for the pivotal role of the commons in generating and distributing wealth. It is important to understand the limits of individual property rights and pay attention the wide benefits coming from the commons sector of the economy.

September 19, 2005

The Problem of Externalities

"Externalities" is a key word to remember. It means the negative side of economic activity — pollution, etc. — that is not factored into the costs and profits of companies. A commons-based approach to capitalism could remedy this growing problem.
September 17, 2005

How to Pay for Katrina

How should we deal with speculation, which makes people money but contributes nothing to our overall wealth?
September 13, 2005

Capitalism 3.0

Our economic system needs a new operating system to protect the planet and end economic unfairness. Call it Capitalism 3.0.
September 1, 2005

Conservation in a World of Private Property Extremists

Economic theory is not the backbone of the property rights movement, as they claim. It is twisted and distorted to serve their purposes. Here's how to untwist it.
July 26, 2005

Corporations, Constructed Strictly

A true "strict constructionist" on constitutional matters would challenge the court rulings that extend rights of personhood to corporations.
July 12, 2005

An Economic Theory of the Commons

A new economic theory of the commons challenges shows how traditional economists undervaluesthe importance of shared assets with a distinct bias in favor of private property.
June 30, 2005

New York City Shows How Co-op Housing Can Work

Co-op housing provides some shelter from the speculative greed of the real estate market—and offers a stronger sense of community
June 20, 2005

Houses, Houses Everywhere

How the boom in second (and third) homes for the wealthy affects us all.
May 23, 2005

The Invisible Corruption of Cost-Benefit Analysis

The invisible corruption of cost-benefit analysis can be seen throughout American society.
April 28, 2005

We the Givers

The economics profession can be myopic in its view of the world. It focuses on takings caused by government projects, but never givings – such as businesses benefiting from new roads or train lines.
The Stirrings of a "Degrowth Movement"

The Stirrings of a "Degrowth Movement"

Academics from around the world explore the (positive) implications of a no-growth economy.

How Sharing Can Shift the Spirit of the Times

Shareable magazine co-founder Neal Gorenflo says the sharing economy will help us create the kind of future we want to live in

(Photo by Backbone Campaign under a Creative Commons license) 

Are Trade Agreements More Important Than Government By the People?

A brief history of how trade deals came to overshadow democracy