Global Economics looks beyond the mere interaction of national economies as is implied by the term 'international economics.' It examines the integration of national economies into the emerging global economy. In keeping with the subtitle A Holistic Approach, the book considers the roles of technology, political arrangements, the rule of law, natural resources, climate change, social institutions and values, in addition to the role of economics (narrowly defined). In fact, recourse to abstract economic analysis is restrained, and discussion is replete with concrete examples and case studies. Specific topics include trade theory, policy and agreements, foreign exchange, exchange rate determination and hedging, international capital and labor flows, financial crises and development. The book details the changes that took place with the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent spread of market economics and democratic government. It develops the classic theory of comparative advantage, and then applies and extends the theory to explain the complex trade patterns of today. It uses game theory to analyze trade policy, and the tragedy of the commons to address the resource curse. The book covers topics such as the relationship of defense to trade policy not typically considered by international economics, in addition to taking a fresh approach to the traditional topics.

Think outside the borders. Global economics affects every aspect of our lives. Free trade agreements, tariffs, terrorism, trade deficits, international debt, global warming, OPEC, outsourcing, and sweat shops are just some of the forces driving our world, food supply, jobs, and future. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Global Economics provides the key to understanding the various facts, figures, policies, and practices that offer insight into this dynamic subject.

Over five decades, John Williamson has written across an extraordinarily broad set of topics in international economics ranging from international monetary economics to development policy. The arc of his scholarship follows the main preoccupations of international economists during the second half of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st. Bridging the scholarly literature and policy debates, his publications on the Washington Consensus, exchange rate policy, and international monetary reform have profoundly influenced public discourse, government policy, and the evolution of the economics discipline. As John marked his 75th birthday, his friends and colleagues prepared this collection of essays to celebrate these many contributions and reflect on their relevance to the challenges that confront the world economy in the wake of the 2008 09 global financial crisis and its current aftermath in Europe.

This introduction to all aspects of international economics, business and finance is the clearest guide available to the economics of the world we live in. Written in a highly engaging style, packed full of up to the minute, real world case studies and pitched at introductory level, the book does an expert job of drawing students in and will leave them equipped with a comprehensive toolkit and methods and essential facts. .

Conclusion: 13.

Why are some countries rich and others poor? In 1500, the income differences were small, but they have grown dramatically since Columbus reached America. Since then, the interplay between geography, globalization, technological change, and economic policy has determined the wealth and poverty of nations. The industrial revolution was Britain's path breaking response to the challenge of globalization. Western Europe and North America joined Britain to form a club of rich nations by pursuing four polices-creating a national market by abolishing internal tariffs and investing in transportation, erecting an external tariff to protect their fledgling industries from British competition, banks to stabilize the currency and mobilize domestic savings for investment, and mass education to prepare people for industrial work. Together these countries pioneered new technologies that have made them ever richer. Before the Industrial Revolution, most of the world's manufacturing was done in Asia, but industries from Casablanca to Canton were destroyed by western competition in the nineteenth century, and Asia was transformed into 'underdeveloped countries' specializing in agriculture. The spread of economic development has been slow since modern technology was invented to fit the needs of rich countries and is ill adapted to the economic and geographical conditions of poor countries. A few countries - Japan, Soviet Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, and perhaps China - have, nonetheless, caught up with the West through creative responses to the technological challenge and with Big Push industrialization that has achieved rapid growth through investment coordination. Whether other countries can emulate the success of East Asia is a challenge for the future. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

A commanding survey of the world economy from 1950 to the present, from the author of the acclaimed The Boom and the Bubble.