L. Randall Wray Books

A critical examination of macroeconomics is presented through a comparative analysis of heterodox and orthodox theories. This textbook uniquely develops a heterodox model grounded in Modern Monetary Theory, drawing from notable economists like Keynes and Marx. The authors provide fiscal and monetary policy recommendations, arguing that the poor economic performance of wealthy capitalist nations could have been prevented. Their work offers a compelling philosophical and practical case for adopting the heterodox MMT perspective.

The second edition delves into the mechanics of money in today's economy, offering a comprehensive overview of Modern Money Theory. It emphasizes macro accounting, currency regimes, and exchange rates, providing insights relevant to both the USA and developing nations. This exploration aims to clarify the principles that govern monetary systems and their implications for economic policy and stability.

Is money precious and scarce, necessitating iron fiscal discipline? Must the government always balance the books or risk ruin? Or is money, in fact, a flexible tool that can be used to mobilize our collective resources to serve those who need them? In this book, leading Modern Money Theory (MMT) advocate Randy Wray explains that the only real constraints on public policy are physical resources, technological capacity and political will: but never money. He shows how modern sovereign governments spend by keystroking money to bank accounts. While taxes serve other important purposes, they do not – contrary to popular belief – fund spending. If we recognize this, and totally reframe how we think about money and debt, we can marshal our national wealth to make us all richer, eliminate unemployment and “look after our own.” We can make money work for us – the US. This book's account shows how MMT can become a new American political and economic orthodoxy, replacing the dominant conservative framework forever. It is essential reading for all progressives.

In a challenge to conventional views on modern monetary and fiscal policy, this book presents a coherent analysis of how money is created, how it functions in global exchange rate regimes, and how the mystification of the nature of money has constrained governments, and prevented states from acting in the public interest.

A useful and accessible overview of both what Minsky said and--as the title puts it--why it matters.--Diane Coyle, The Enlightened Economist blog

"Why Minsky Matters makes the maverick economist's critically valuable insights accessible to general readers for the first time. L. Randall Wray shows that by understanding Minsky we will not only see the next crisis coming but we might be able to act quickly enough to prevent it. As Wray explains, Minsky's most important idea is that "stability is destabilizing": to the degree that the economy achieves what looks to be robust and stable growth, it is setting up the conditions in which a crash becomes ever more likely. Before the financial crisis, mainstream economists pointed to much evidence that the economy was more stable, but their predictions were completely wrong because they disregarded Minsky's insight. Wray also introduces Minsky's significant work on money and banking, poverty and unemployment, and the evolution of capitalism, as well as his proposals for reforming the financial system and promoting economic stability. A much-needed introduction to an economist whose ideas are more relevant than ever, Why Minsky Matters is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand why economic crises are becoming more frequent and severe--and what we can do about it."--Publisher's description

Randall Wray challenges the prevailing economic theory that views full employment and price stability as conflicting objectives. He proposes a policy framework designed to achieve genuine full employment while enhancing price stability beyond the levels seen in the 1990s. Wray's insights offer a fresh perspective on economic policy, suggesting that these goals can coexist harmoniously rather than being at odds with one another.

Money is mysterious. You can hardly touch it, and yet it rules the world. We love it, we hate it, but few people can tell you what the heck it really is. Wouldn’t it be good to get out of the fog? This book can bring you clarity. It can help you see money for what it is, understand the way it works, and how to leverage its power. The authors take you on an illuminating journey from your piggy bank to the Federal Reserve, without any pesky jargon or complex math. Once you see money clearly, life will never be the same. You’ll know what really goes on in banks, and what the cash in your wallet represents. You’ll know how government really spends, and why it can’t run out of money. You’ll know what money can actually do— and how we can make it work for us.

Money is mysterious. You can hardly touch it, and yet it rules the world. We love it, we hate it, but few people can tell you what the heck it really is. Wouldn’t it be good to get out of the fog? This book can bring you clarity. It can help you see money for what it is, understand the way it works, and how to leverage its power. The authors take you on an illuminating journey from your piggy bank to the Federal Reserve, without any pesky jargon or complex math. Once you see money clearly, life will never be the same. You’ll know what really goes on in banks, and what the cash in your wallet represents. You’ll know how government really spends, and why it can’t run out of money. You’ll know what money can actually do— and how we can make it work for us.

El esfuerzo intelectual que se realizó en el campo de la física tras la aparición de la teoría de la relatividad o del modelo copernicano, no se llevó a cabo en la economía tras la aparición del dinero fíat. Teoría Económica Moderna es la plasmación de dicho esfuerzo intelectual. En este libro se expone claramente qué es el dinero en realidad y lo que es más importante se exponen las políticas económicas que deberían llevarse a cabo para llevar a la práctica un programa político coherente con dicha realidad.