Why do Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel consider "shadow capitalism" the most serious threat we face? How has speculation spread to widely consumed food products? What self-protection measures did BP take in the event of a major ecological disaster? How does the lobbying of big banks achieve its goals? Will rating agencies fatally harm the euro by throwing oil on the fire?

A dark and speculative capitalism is currently opposing the capitalism that operates within a regulatory framework. This particular system holds states and consumers hostage while crushing workers and small shareholders. However, this capitalism acts freely by bypassing the rules. Are we, perhaps, powerless in the face of this dark force that the political world dares not confront?

This is an astonishing investigation, from Paris to Hong Kong and from Geneva to Washington, the conclusions of which are disturbing. Because while the system may remain overall effective, the risks have multiplied. For all of us.