US launch of 'Just Another Emperor?'

On the 3rd of April, Demos launched 'Just another Emperor?' in New York. Follow the continuing debate at the Nonprofit Quarterly.

The London launch of 'Just another Emperor?' in association with Demos NY and Carnegie UK Trust was held at the RSA on 10th March 2008, beginning a fascinating dialogue on the future of the involvement of business in philanthropy. Michael Edwards spoke about his latest publication, with contributions from Geoff Mulgan, Director of the Young Foundation, and Peter Wheeler, Chair of Trustees at the Young Foundation and co-founder of New Philanthropy Capital.

The pamphlet asks if philanthrocapistalism represent a genuinely new kind of philanthropy; examines the evidence for applying business models in the social sector; and makes a series of recommendations on how they could best contribute to lasting social change.

Robert B. Reich, Professor of Public Policy, University of California at Berekeley says of 'Just Another Emperor?':

"In this important and insightful book, Michael Edwards lays bare the mythologies surrounding philanthropy and shows it to be exactly what it is - an essential part of our capitalist system, with all the flaws and foibles found elsewhere - good at what it does best but bad at what it's sometimes expected to do. Anyone who wants the truth of philanthropy in America should read this book."

Michael Edwards is one of the world’s leading thinkers on civil society who has worked in senior positions at many international organisations. His pamphlet, written in a personal capacity, looks at the rise of major new philanthropic funds supported by people including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and others, and critically examines some of the claims made by philanthrocapitalists.

To download a pdf of the pamphlet click here.

To download the press release click here.

A transcript of Michael's speech is also available here.

You can also purchase the publication from the Young Foundation shop.