Capitalism

The United States at 250: Renewal Is the Real American Tradition

The Ford Foundation’s Roy Swan examines what America's 250th anniversary reveals about the country's enduring promise. At a moment of declining trust and growing division, he argues that collective ambition, shared prosperity and civic renewal remain essential to the future of the American experiment.

The Next Generation’s Declaration of Economic Independence

Ford Foundation’s head of Mission Investments, Roy Swan, explores how the next generation of American leaders can build community wealth in places traditional capital has long ignored. Across the Heartland, new models are emerging that give young, local investors the tools to create sustainable economic ecosystems, proving that inclusive capitalism isn’t just possible, it’s necessary for the health of our economy and democracy.

The Positive-Sum Revolution: Dismantling the Myth of Zero-Sum Economics

Roy Swan, head of Mission Investments at the Ford Foundation and a national voice on using capitalism for good, dismantles the myth that economics is a zero-sum game. Drawing on his global impact investing experience, Swan argues that inclusive, empathy-driven strategies are not just morally sound but economically superior. From fair wages to community investment, he outlines how business leaders, investors, policymakers and consumers can create a positive-sum economy that advances both national prosperity and democratic resilience.