Whither the World The Political Economy of the Future Volume 2

Whither the World The Political Economy of the Future Volume 2 - Grzegorz W. Kołodko

Whither the World: The Political Economy of the Future addresses the challenging questions of long-term future of mankind and global economy. It employs a holistic approach to answer fundamental questions about the course of future generations. Comparative economics and social science analysis are all engaged in a comprehensive coverage of the issues facing the global economy. A complex and dynamic consideration explains how things work and how they will and how they should work in the future. Economic methodology alone does not provide the most satisfactory answers for fundamental questions. An interdisciplinary attitude is necessary, since the future of the world and civilisation depends not only on what happens in the economic sphere but also vis-a-vis cultural, social, political, demographic, technological, and ecological processes. This second volume discusses the threats and opportunities of the future, and proposes strategies for ways to move forward. The study is written in an intellectual and yet accessible style, which makes it essential reading for students, researchers and scholars; politicians and policy-makers; and the interested lay reader. 'An erudite and thought-provoking take on the big questions facing humanity.' - John Cassidy, The New Yorker "In this compelling volume, Dr. Grzegorz Kolodko combines academic expertise and a distinguished record of government service during crucial periods of Poland's economic reforms. Ranging across genres and never shying from controversy, he has written a useful contribution to the literature on economics, social change, and 21st-century world order." - Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, Nobel Peace Laureate "Grzegorz Kolodko is one of the most acute observers of the international economy, based on long experience both as a practitioner and as an academic. His writings are always an important starting point for debate and discussion about the political economy of globalization." - Prof. Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University, USA "Professor Kolodko - the best established in the world Polish economist from whom we can learn new ideas - surprises again. After thorough 'Truth, Errors, and Lies', in his new book he reaches into the future. This is not another forecast, but a knowledgeable exercise and intellectual adventure touching the most important challenges faced by the mankind. He is right that the best way to solve the current difficulties is through attacking the long-term problems." - Prof. Nouriel Roubini, New York University, USA "In his latest book Wither the World Grzegorz Kolodko, having completed in the first two volumes of his trilogy a tour de force theorisation of the state of the world and its evolution, addresses the even more challenging exploration of the future. His is not, and could not be, a rash and arbitrary prediction, nor a horoscope, but an exploration of feasible, desirable futures on the assumption that mankind will pursue an approach of "rational pragmatism". This is therefore not a trivial exercise in crystal-ball-gazing but an important contribution to the construction of a better world." - Professor Mario D. Nuti, London Business School, UK & Universita di Roma 'La Sapienza', Italy