This book investigates the psychological and social consequences of global capitalism, questioning how the rapid expansion of global markets impacts human consciousness and social stability. Teresa Brennan, a philosopher and social theorist, utilizes a framework that integrates psychoanalytic theory with political economy to argue that the current global order fosters a sense of alienation and existential anxiety. She examines the historical trajectory of capitalist expansion to demonstrate how the drive for profit creates systemic instability and psychological distress for individuals within the modern world.

Scholars and critics often note the dense, interdisciplinary nature of Brennan's prose, which requires familiarity with both critical theory and economic history. Experts frequently cite this work as a significant contribution to the critique of neoliberal globalization, highlighting its focus on the internal, subjective experiences of those living within a globalized system.