In this analysis, Shelton calls for a unified international monetary regime—a new Bretton Woods—to lay the foundation for worldwide stability and prosperity in the post-Cold War era. Despite worldwide rhetoric about free trade and the global economy, the leading economic powers have done little to address the most insidious form of protectionism—the inherently unstable international monetary system. In outlining steps toward a new world monetary structure, Judy Shelton elevates the needs of individual producers—who actually create wealth in the global economy—over the programmes of governments.

Economic expert Shelton contends that, despite worldwide rhetoric about free trade and the global economy, little has been done to address the most insidious form of protectionism--the inherently unstable international monetary system--and calls for a unified monetary system to foster stability and prosperity.

From ancient Rome to the Great Meltdown of 2008, this account of financial crises throughout history reveals the common human foibles that drive economic booms and busts.

We are living in the most uncertain financial environment in recent history. A quarter - century of reckless lending, asset stripping, free - market zealotry and hedge - fund secrecy has ended with a dramatic collapse. And, according to Charles R. Morris, an even more profound economic and political restructuring is on its way. In The Two Trillion Dollar Meltdown, Morris explains how we got here and what we can expect next. With insight and clarity, he cuts through the guff to provide an indispensable guide to confusing times. ''''''''How we got into the mess we're in, explained briefly and brilliantly.'''''''' - New York Times Book Review Charles R. Morris is a lawyer and former banker. He is the author of ten books, including The Cost of Good Intentions, Money, Greed and Risk and The Tycoons. He has written for the Atlantic Monthly, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Albert Einstein said: "There are problems in today's world that cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them." His words ring true as we face many worrying problems that our politicians and world leaders, predictably using the wrong level of thinking, are failing to solve. This book is the product of a refreshingly different level of thinking - outside of the box. It identifies and analyses the problems; reveals their origins; exposes the conspiracy of greed and power behind them and shows how they can be removed from our lives. It explains the flaws in the world's unsecured monetary system, warning of the dangers we face if we remain completely and utterly dependent upon it. It proposes a unique equitably shared monetary system, which will also enable us to combat the predicted consequences of global warming and climate change. It also proposes a bold and unifying social contract for the human race, using a modern interpretation of the words of Moses in Genesis 1: 28 as the foundation for its terms and conditions. The consequential lifestyle benefits for future generations will greatly exceed those of their ancestors. We dare not and must not fail them.

With a foreword from Ron Paul, Meltdown is the free-market answer to the Fed-created economic crisis. As the new Obama administration inevitably calls for more regulations, Woods argues that the only way to rebuild our economy is by returning to the fundamentals of capitalism and letting the free market work.