This study explores the major patterns of change in the evolution of financial crises as enduring phenomena and analyzes the paradoxical position that crises are at once similar to and different from each other. Brenda Spotton-Visano examines economic, psychological and social elements intrinsic to the process of capitalist accumulation and innovation to explain the enduring similarities of crises across historical episodes. She also assesses the impact that changing financial and economic structures have on determining the specific nature of crises and the differential effect these have in focal point, manner and extent of transmission to other, otherwise unrelated, parts of the economy.

Financial Crises offers a consistent method for interpreting variations in financial crises through time and allows for a better overall appreciation for both the transitory fragility and enduring flexibility of financial capitalism and the potential vulnerability created by on-going financial development. Topical and informative, this key book is of keen interest to all those studying and researching international economics and political economy.

Contents

1. Introduction and Outline 2. Finance and the Economy: Traditional Economic Perspectives and Paradigms 3. Anatomy of a Crisis: Historical Episodes Compared 4. Innovation and Forms of Speculation: Sources of Uncertainty and Instability 5. Socio-Economic Perspective on the Evolution of Financial Manias and Panics 6. Structuration of the Crisis: The Interplay between Investors, Financial Institutions and Structures 7. Conclusion