Globalization and Its Discontents Revisited – Anti–Globalization in the Era of Trump - Softcover

Stiglitz, Joseph E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393355160 ISBN 13: 9780393355161

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2017

Synopsis

When it was first published, Globalization and Its Discontents quickly became a bestseller and a touchstone in the globalization debate. Renowned economist and Nobel Prize winner Joseph E. Stiglitz argued that the International Monetary Fund and other major institutions put the interests of Wall Street and other corporate interests ahead of the developing nations they were supposedly helping, leading to political unrest and rampant inequality. Since then, globalization has continued to be mismanaged and has left a trail of disaffected citizens in its wake. Discontent with globalization is no longer a problem just for developing nations, as made clear by Donald Trump's election to the presidency. Stiglitz's powerful and prescient messages remain essential reading. "Accessible, provocative, and highly readable."-New York Times "This book is everyone's guide to the misgovernment of globalization. Stiglitz explains it here in plain and compelling language." -James K. Galbraith, University of Texas at Austin

About this title

Review:

Readers of Globalization and Its Discontents will already be familiar with the controversy and organised resistance that globalisation has generated around the world due to massive media coverage, yet explaining what globalisation actually means in practice is a complicated task. For those wanting to learn more, this book is an excellent place to start. An experienced economist, Joseph Stiglitz had a brilliant career in academia before serving for four years on President Clinton's Council of Economic Advisors and then three years as chief economist and senior vice president of the World Bank. His book clearly explains the functions and powers of the main institutions that govern globalisation--the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization--along with the ramifications, both good and bad, of their policies. He strongly believes that globalisation can be a positive force around the world, particularly for the poor, but only if the IMF, World Bank and WTO dramatically alter the way they operate, beginning with increased transparency and a greater willingness to examine their own actions closely. Of his time at the World Bank, he writes, "Decisions were made on the basis of what seemed a curious blend of ideology and bad economics, dogma that sometimes seemed to be thinly veiling special interests ... Open, frank discussion was discouraged--there was no room for it." The book is not entirely critical, however: "Those who vilify globalization too often overlook its benefits," Stiglitz writes, explaining how globalisation, along with foreign aid, has improved the living standards of millions around the world. With this clear and balanced book, Stiglitz has contributed significantly to the debate on this important topic. --Shawn Carkonen

Review:

This book is everyone's guide to the misgovernment of globalization. Stiglitz explains it here in plain and compelling language.--James K. Galbraith, University of Texas at Austin

[Stiglitz] is not a global pessimist, but a realist--and instead of placing him in a neat box labeled 'important contribution to the debate, ' we should listen to him more urgently.--Will Hutton

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0393355160
• ISBN 13: 9780393355161
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 528