Norwegian by birth, Roar Bjonnes has lived here in the U.S. for the majority of his life, managing a retreat center in Madison County. Author of several books, he has also written numerous articles on economic and environmental issues in magazines and newspapers. With this background it is no surprise that his recent book, “Economic Democracy: A Practical Guide to Life After Capitalism,” (Inner World Publications, 2026, 151 pages) should appear right at a time when the world is faltering and it is needed most.
In a heavily researched volume, but written in a casual conversational tone, Bjonnes convincingly shows us the failings of American capitalism and how it has led us to the precipice we are now standing on as we not so casually peer over the cliff. But this is not a treatise of doom and gloom. In this tome, he doesn’t merely focus on the negative aspects of our culture, but provides us with alternatives such as changing the ground rules of our economy, creating an economic democracy and the importance of regenerative agriculture.