Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

At a time of inequality and economic decline, and as Earth endures the impact of climate change and social upheaval, how did this come about? Class War, Then and Now by Chris Wright points the finger at capitalism, with its relentless search for profit. He highlights the erosion of the middle class and sidelining of the working class, painting a grim picture of life for many Americans, who battle to survive while the rich prosper. The principles behind communism, socialism, and capitalism receive the major share of attention, but the writings of a diverse body of authors are explored, from Karl Marx and Adam Smith to Noam Chomsky, Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, and John Maynard Keynes. Not all their views meet with the author’s approval, some drawing scathing criticism. The relationship between big business and government is explored. The book reveals the increasing polarization and radicalization in modern American society, with capitalism moving further toward an elitist and thus unequal society, while embracing Christian fundamentalism. Paradoxically, Christianity favours community over the rich, while even communism means different things to different people.

Chris Wright reflects on a broken and passive society firmly set on a path of corruption and degradation. He calls on the popular minority to fight back, advocating a coalition of left-aligned forces and a Marxist style of class war as the solution. This will require rebuilding the deeply divided socialist left. Class War, Then and Now poses searching questions about past mistakes and what constitutes the greater good. The book consists of essays and articles written between 2014 and 2024. These cover the class struggle as a whole and promote a socialist agenda, although even some aspects of Marxism come under scrutiny. The writing style is concise and assertive in making points. The author’s views are supported by extensive research, drawing on political history, while highlighting the excesses of both capitalism and the failures of previous American administrations. The conclusions may not find universal acclaim, particularly among more conservative readers. They nevertheless provide food for thought as they urge a new look at American politics and its future direction. The author captures the disparities between capitalism and socialism in a compelling manner. The sharp divisions within society are exposed. Amid the labelling and name-calling, it remains for the reader to decide which ideology to embrace.