"Excellent . . . Mr. Taylor tells the history of the Weimar inflation as the life-and-death struggle of the first German democracy . . . This is a dramatic story, well told." --The Wall Street Journal

Since 1970s when the world was experiencing an "age of inflation", a great volume of academic research about hyperinflation has been conducted. However, it is also true that parrot-like superficial talks abound, without questioning the economic, political and social foundations existing underneath the economic phenomenon. Based on research results of contemporary economists, media reports and historical works, this book will be the most comprehensive narrative of all major events of hyperinflation worldwide from the turn of the first millennium to the mid-2010s. Firstly, it gives a brief illustration of the basic concepts of hyperinflation, starting with the definitions and price measurement. Then it traces and analyzes all major episodes of hyperinflation that occurred over the past two thousand years or so, from the earliest incidence to the four tidal waves in the 20th century, and to the three latest episodes in the 21st century. Using basic concepts in modern finance such as indexation and dollarization, this book explains why hyperinflation in some countries could explode into astronomical levels, while rhythms of hyperinflation in the 20th century world are in resonance of megatrends in world economy and politics. Finally, this book underscores the importance of policy making, institutional building and international relations in the process of hyperinflation and stabilization. Scholars and students studying money and finance, economic history, international finance and economics will be attracted by this book.

Originally presented as the author's thesis (doctoral)--Universiteat Hohenheim, 2006.

This book addresses the topical issue of whether the current environment in the US and other major countries, where quantitative easing is used to boost the economy, is conducive to the emergence of hyperinflation. This is a controversial and highly debated issue. Using both economics and history, the author challenges the view that quantitative easing will not lead to hyperinflation and argues that hyperinflation, or at least high inflation, is likely to appear eventually. The book examines all the propositions put forward for and against the eventuality of hyperinflation in the US, using illustrations based on actual and simulated data. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the current fiscal position of the US government, particularly the levels of external debt and unfunded liabilities, will not be rectified without resorting to inflationary financing. The book would be useful not only for policy makers and economists but also for non-specialist observers.

Tracing the links between the monetary phenomena of the post-World War I German inflation and its political roots, this study provides a non-technical explanation of the economics of inflation and explores the political events and institutions that contributed to the Weimar Republic's economic difficulties. Webb discusses such topics as Reichsbank credit and monetary policy; output and unemployment; government revenue and spending; capitalism, democracy, and reparations; and the political economy of Reichsbank policy.

Since the financial crisis of 2008, the major governments of the world have resorted to printing large amounts of money to pay national debts and bail out banks. The warning signs are clear, and the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar after years of rampant money printing is a frightening example of what lies in store for world economies if painful reform is not executed. When Money Destroys Nations tells the gripping story of the disintegration of the once-thriving Zimbabwean economy and how ordinary people survived in turbulent circumstances. Analysing this case within a global context, Philip Haslam and Russell Lamberti investigate the causes of hyperinflation and draw ominous parallels between Zimbabwe and the world's developed economies. The looming currency crises and hyperinflation in these major economies, particularly the United States, have the potential to turn the current world order upside down. This story of how money destroys nations holds lessons that cannot be ignored.