Jürgen Kocka

About the Author

Jürgen Kocka is a renowned German historian and social scientist, celebrated for his incisive analyses of modern European history, particularly the interplay between capitalism, class structures, and societal transformations. Born in 1941 in Berlin, Kocka has held prestigious positions at institutions such as the Free University of Berlin and the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, where he shaped generations of scholars through his rigorous scholarship. His work bridges economic history with social and cultural dimensions, offering nuanced perspectives on how capitalism evolved from its industrial roots to its global dominance. In Capitalism: A Short History, Kocka distills centuries of economic development into an accessible narrative, highlighting its promises and perils. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Holtzbrinck Prize for European Journalism, Kocka's contributions continue to influence debates on inequality and modernity in contemporary society.