Capitalist Enrichment and the Transformation of Wealth: Classical Political Economy in Comparative Perspective Introduction The concept of “capitalist enrichment” occupies a central place in classical political economy, marking a decisive rupture from earlier modes of wealth generation in pre-capitalist societies. While pre-capitalist systems—such as feudalism, tributary empires, and mercantile formations—generated wealth primarily through extra-economic coercion, … Continue reading What constitutes “capitalist enrichment” in classical political economy, and how is it analytically distinguished from wealth creation in pre-capitalist systems? Contrast Marx’s explanation of capitalist enrichment with Adam Smith’s and David Ricardo’s accounts of profit and capital accumulation.