Prem Sikka contends that the financial crisis is a systemic one and so institutional reforms are essential.

Every time economic crises develop they are described as aberrations in an otherwise rational and balanced system. Chris Harman looks at the roots and implications of the recent credit crunch, and explains why crises are in fact an intrinsic feature of capitalism.

Corporate Watch interviews Ross Baptie about the causes and implications of the subprime mortgage crisis in the US, and investigates the connection with the crumbling of Northern Rock.

The "nationalisation" of Northern Rock is a mere stop-gap measure, falling far short of real socialisation - but it does have the potential to start giving people funny ideas, writes Richard Seymour.

Northern Rock is a mess, and it won't be solved by Alistair Darling's false brand of "nationalisation", writes the Morning Star.

What began as a crisis of liquidity for one bank has become a major political crisis for the British government, writes Ann Talbot.

Governments aren't perfect, says George Monbiot but they may be necessary to mop up the damage caused by neo-libertarians - such as Northern Rock's former chairman.

Will Northern Rock be bailed out by the public?