The Triumph of Injustice

A visionary and pragmatic reinvention of taxation, and a roadmap to achieving social justice.

The rampant inequality we suffer has a clear driver: an unfair tax system. For the first time in over a century, American billionaires are now paying lower tax rates than any other social group. Meanwhile, the middle class is asked to contribute more. Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman, two economists who have revolutionized the study of inequality, analyze the decisions (and sins of indecision) that have led to such a triumph of fiscal injustice. Combining historical analysis and cutting-edge economic insights with engaging, jargon-free prose, Saez and Zucman show how the end of tax progressivity ultimately shakes the foundations of democracy.

The United States, which was at the forefront of the fight for fiscal justice, has turned its back on its own tradition. If we want to prevent Europe from falling into an unfair and oligarchic drift like the one that brought Donald Trump to power, urgent action is needed. Although the deterioration of fiscal escalation in a context of increasing inequalities has been especially exacerbated on that side of the Atlantic, it is by no means specific to the United States. Fiscal injustice, one of the great political failures of our time, is a global phenomenon that demands comprehensive solutions.

"Without taxes, there is no cooperation, no prosperity, no common destiny; there is not even a nation that needs a president."

Praise for the book:
"Armed with surprising new data, Saez and Zucman propose bold solutions. Brilliantly reasoned, it is an essential contribution to the global economic and political debate of the 21st century."
Thomas Piketty

"The most important book on government policy I've read in a long time."
David Leonhardt, The New York Times

"A solid argument, a titanic work, an undeniable contribution to the debate."
Le Monde

"An important book written by two key figures."
Financial Times

"Convincing, reasoned, and practical, it offers clear and persuasive policy solutions to change the direction of society itself. Hopeful and essential for anyone interested in defending liberal democracy. Its elegantly formulated recommendations would allow us to regain control, but this time for real."
The Guardian