In "Panic Rules!", Robin Hahnel takes the reader on a compelling journey through the highs and lows of capitalism, revealing the inherent instability and inequality that define this economic system. With a keen analytical eye, Hahnel deconstructs the neoliberal myth, exposing the false promise of perpetual growth and the harsh reality of economic cycles that leave the majority worse off. Through a detailed examination of the global economic crisis of the late 1990s, Hahnel highlights the flawed policies and misguided optimism that fuel these cycles of boom and bust. His critique extends to the interventions of international institutions like the IMF, questioning their efficacy and motives in the face of global financial turmoil. This book is not just a critique, but a call to action, offering progressive reform proposals aimed at creating a more equitable and sustainable economic system. Hahnel challenges readers to envision a world where economic policies are crafted from below, prioritizing the needs and well-being of the global majority over the interests of a wealthy few. "Panic Rules!" is a meticulously researched, passionately argued, and highly accessible analysis of the failings of modern capitalism. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true dynamics of our economic system and the radical changes needed to rectify its many injustices.