Empty Vessel
The Story of the Global Economy in One Barge
The rise of globalization and financialization as seen from a barge—one Swedish barge, to be exact, built in 1979
"The many-headed hydra of neoliberalism has found its chronicler." —Sven Beckert, author of Empire of Cotton
"I’ve rarely read a book that so deftly entwines a single, accessible story with the broad forces of globalization. A stunningly original history." —Maya Jasanoff, author of The Dawn Watch
What do a barracks for British troops in the Falklands War, a floating jail off the Bronx, and temporary housing for VW factory workers in Germany have in common? The Balder Scapa: a single barge that served all three roles. Though the name would eventually change to Finnboda 12. And then to Safe Esperia. And later on,…