Globalization and Its Discontents

Stiglitz, Joseph E.

ISBN 10: 1491528753 ISBN 13: 9781491528754

Publisher: Audible Studios on Brilliance audio, 2015

Synopsis

This powerful, unsettling audiobook gives us a rare glimpse behind the closed doors of global financial institutions by the winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Economics.

When it was first published, this national bestseller quickly became a touchstone in the globalization debate. Renowned economist and Nobel Prize winner Joseph E. Stiglitz had a ringside seat for most of the major economic events of the last decade, including stints as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and chief economist at the World Bank. Particularly concerned with the plight of the developing nations, he became increasingly disillusioned as he saw the International Monetary Fund and other major institutions put the interests of Wall Street and the financial community ahead of the poorer nations. Those seeking to understand why globalization has engendered the hostility of protesters in Seattle and Genoa will find the reasons here. While this audiobook includes no simple formula on how to make globalization work, Stiglitz provides a reform agenda that will provoke debate for years to come. Rarely do we get such an insider's analysis of the major institutions of globalization as in this penetrating audiobook.

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:

‘A damning read ... The book is compelling because Stiglitz is a first-rate storyteller’ -- Suzanne Miller, Banker

‘A massively important political as well as economic document ... we should listen to him urgently’ -- Will Hutton, Guardian

‘Accessible, provocative and highly readable’ -- Alan Cowell, The New York Times

‘Compelling ... This book is everyone’s guide to the misgovernment of globalization’ -- J. K. Galbraith

‘Gripping ... this landmark book ... shows him to be a worthy successor to Keynes’ -- Robin Blackburn, Independent

About this edition

• Publisher: Audible Studios on Brilliance audio
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1491528753
• ISBN 13: 9781491528754
• Binding: Audio CD