A time-honored classic, this book provides thorough coverage of both theoretical and practical aspects of the major political and economic ideologies and value systems that shaped the twentieth century. It takes an in-depth look at Socialism, Capitalism, Fascism, Communism, and Libertarianism, and covers topics such as monetary policy, capitalism and democracy, cultural conservatism, the demise of the Soviet Union, and the Deng Era in China. For all those interested in the fields of comparative politics and economics--and the historical background that posed the major challenges and conflicts to the free way of life in the last 100 years.