Collier examines the deepening divides, geographic, educational and moral – that are fragmenting western societies, particularly between thriving metropolitan elites and left behind towns, the highly educated and the less skilled, and the global North and South. He argues that contemporary capitalism has lost its ethical foundation, resulting in rising inequality, political disillusionment, and social decay. Rather than abandoning capitalism, Collier calls for its moral reconstruction through a revival of mutual obligations and civic ethics rooted in the traditions of communitarianism. Proposing pragmatic reforms across four key domains – the state, firms, the family and global cooperation – he advocates policies like place-based investment, fairer corporate governance, and support for social mobility. Collier ultimately urges a return to a capitalism that works not just for profit, but for shared purpose and the common good.