I would like to ask a few Brenner related questions, questions dealing with his recent NLR piece (economics of global turbulence) on the world economy rather than his work on the historical origins of capitalism. First, while I have seen many references to the book, TURBULENCE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY, I have also been told that it is not yet out and it will differ from the NLR piece. Does anyone have any information on when the book will be out and how it will differ from the article? Second, as has been widely pointed out, Brenner focuses on capitalist competition as the primary cause of capitalism's post 1970s profit squeeze and growth slowdown. To what extent is the global merger movement a response to this competition and how successful do people think this movement will be in regaining control over markets and overproduction. Would we look to price movements as an indicator of MNC success? Third, how should we understand the WTO in light of this analysis and the current instabilities and crises. Assuming that the worst comes true, we get the MAI, the Government Procurement Agreement, etc., will this intensify competition and thus tensions, or will it enable MNCs to stamp out contenders and consolidate their strategic position? Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Marty Hart-Landsberg
