This work investigates the structural foundations and institutional mechanisms that sustain modern capitalist systems. Ernesto Screpanti, a prominent economist known for his work in political economy and the history of economic thought, utilizes a rigorous analytical framework to deconstruct the legal, social, and economic pillars of capitalism. He argues that capitalism is not merely a market phenomenon but a complex institutional arrangement that requires specific power dynamics and property relations to function effectively.

Reader & Expert Consensus: Scholars frequently cite this text for its dense, systematic approach to institutional economics. It is widely regarded as a foundational resource for those seeking to understand the structural underpinnings of global economic systems.