Progress matters. Capitalism matters.

I want to show how capitalism is closely related to progress. So I dispute the position of the right that progress is alien to capitalism and I dispute the position of the left that capitalism does not create progress.

I have termed my political thinking and political philosophy, 'Progressive Capitalism'. Ethical globalisation or capitalism with a human face can also be used to describe my political philosophy and political thinking.

My thinking and philosophy rests on two concepts:

• 'Progressive' relates to progress at all levels and all types - and I am of the view that progress does mean something, even if in history there is no linear progress, but up and downs too;
• 'Capitalism' is not about free markets, but about capital and how it used for creative purposes and I want to discuss capitalist accumulation too and how modern capitalism arose - with progress at its heart, contrary to the myth that capitalism is harsh created by the socialist left and the pure free market advocates. I also want to show that capitalism as a model must be rescued in its progressive aspect and on a global level. This will lead to capitalism at its best and most dynamic and most progressive and efficient. I also believe that the critics of 'progressive capitalism' of the left and right seek to create a myth based on a specific episode in the take-off of capitalism (early phase of capitalist take-off with its very brutal social dislocation and its very unregulated and under-developed systems) and use it to perpetuate a myth of ideological politics for the left and the right. I believe that both these models are extremely damaging and result in poor strategic policy making at an international and national level.

In this blog, I will use historical references and analogies as well as examine modern developments.

I want to exchange ideas as well as advocate a fresh look at capitalism and a fresh look at progress in the 21st century. My field is global political economy. I have moved from an extreme left position to become a fan of capitalism. I have ditched the extreme left concept that progress is relative and that capitalism cannot be progressive. I have started thinking for myself and started on the journey of my own creative ideas and exploration into this subject.

This blog seeks to generate discussion. All genuine discussion will be welcome.