Online Book Talk: The Fading Light of Democratic Capitalism

About the Book

In The Fading Light of Democratic Capitalism, Malcolm S. Salter examines the decline of public trust in democratic capitalism, a system many see as integral to the nation’s identity. He explores how corruption, cronyism, and restricted political participation have weakened both democracy and capitalism, fueling public disillusionment. Drawing on the principles of political equality, power sharing, and reciprocity, Salter proposes practical reforms to make economic and political markets more democratic. He considers how corporations can better support democracy and highlights successful American models of equitable power sharing. Salter concludes with insights on the moral culture needed to sustain democratic capitalism.

About the Speakers 

Malcolm S. Salter has been a member of the Harvard Business School faculty since 1967. His teaching and research focus on issues of corporate strategy, organization, and governance. His most recent books include The Fading Light of Democratic Capitalism and Innovation Corrupted: The Origins and Legacy of Enron’s Collapse. He is author of many other books, papers, and case studies addressing issues of business policy and practice. Salter has also served as the president of an international strategy consulting firm; a trustee of multiple arts, educational, and medical institutions in the Boston area; and a director of multiple public and private companies including, most recently, four bioscience startups focused on advanced cancer therapies. Active in civic affairs at both the municipal and state levels of government, he currently serves as Treasurer and Board Member of Partners in Democracy, a non-profit committed to building a stronger democracy.

Rebecca Henderson is the John and Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, a research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a fellow of both the British Academy and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She also has more than twenty-five years of major public board experience. Rebecca’s research explores the degree to which the private sector can play a major role in building a more sustainable economy. Her publications include Accelerating Energy Innovation: Insights from Multiple Sectors, Leading Sustainable Change: An Organizational Perspective,  and Political Economy and Justice. She is also the author of Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire which was shortlisted for the FT/McKinsey 2020 Business Book of the Year Award.

Danielle Allen is the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy and director of the Democratic Knowledge Project and of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. She is also a seasoned nonprofit leader, democracy advocate, national voice on AI and tech ethics, distinguished author, and mom. Her most recent book is Justice by Means of Democracy.

Event Details

This event is online only and registration is required. A recording will be made available after the event’s conclusion. The information collected in the registration form is for internal use only and will not be shared externally.

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