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cemyilmaz's review against another edition
5.0
A MUST-READ for anyone interested in development economics and international political economy. A realistic wake-up call for extremists and 'hedgehogs'... Rodrik is simply brilliant...
rcthomas's review against another edition
3.0
Rodrik presents an interesting take on the dynamics of globalization, democracy, and nationhood. Throughout the book he makes it clear he is in favor of a return to a system similar to the old Bretton Woods institutions in order to allow for more nationally driven economic development. He does a very good job presenting a balanced view of both sides, but his conclusion lacks the uniform coherency I was expecting. He seems to reside in an entirely economic world devoid of both real consequences and an understanding of politics. He states that countries, if they can't meet foreign imposed labor/product standards, can simply find markets elsewhere, as if replacing the United States or the EU as a trade partner is extremely easy. Finally, he states that no country has the right to impose their values and institutions on another, but that authoritarian regimes will not be accorded the same benefits as democracies. While I appreciate that sentiment, it seems like an inherent contradiction that needs to be resolved.
Overall a good read, not sure its the best text on "globalization" however.
Overall a good read, not sure its the best text on "globalization" however.
nielsism's review against another edition
5.0
If there's one guide to a future that wants to minimize chances of Brexits, Trumps, trade wars or badly-drawn TTIP's, it's this one. Revitalizing the world economy to thrive under globalization does not imply ever more globalization, but a reassertion of a state's sovereignty to choose what's best. The political trilemma is a necessary foundation of anyone's argument calling for more democracy, nation state or globalization.
An absolute must-read.
An absolute must-read.
iambartacus's review against another edition
4.0
This book is pretty much what my macroeconomics professor was trying to teach me, but much more interesting. The author does a nice job explaining some very complex topics in a way the lay reader can understand.
venkyloquist's review against another edition
3.0
Globalization first reared its tentative head, courtesy a revisionist package popularly known as the "Washington Consensus". The term was coined in 1989 by John Williamson and represented as its edifice three indispensable words: stabilize; liberalize; and privatize. Two and a half decades and a crippling recession later, the world is still coming to grips with the shock and awe impact caused by a rampant globalization that had its most fervent advocates fleeing for life!
In this compelling work, Dani Rodrik demonstrates with sincere zeal the perilous outcomes signifying the impact and encouragement of unfettered and unalloyed globalization. Drawing reference to what he calls the political "trilemma" of the World Economy, Rodrik articulates the difficulty of choosing globalization over democratic preserves and the cohesive building of a nation state. Calling for a balanced approach to free market theory and interventionist measures, the author advocates the embracing of what he terms "sane" globalization, a system whereby national interests are not sacrificed at the alter of undisguised greed.
Cocking a snook at free market mavens, the author takes great pains to demonstrate the pernicious effects of ignoring the power of and the need for a nuanced state intervention. The Invisible Hand of Adam Smith at times has very visible adverse ramifications. Rabid free market proponents such as Jagdish Bhagwati of Columbia University would do well to read this work from cover-to-cover so as to realise their headstrong follies and ill-perceived notions.
"Globalisation Paradox" - A Universal wake-up call!
In this compelling work, Dani Rodrik demonstrates with sincere zeal the perilous outcomes signifying the impact and encouragement of unfettered and unalloyed globalization. Drawing reference to what he calls the political "trilemma" of the World Economy, Rodrik articulates the difficulty of choosing globalization over democratic preserves and the cohesive building of a nation state. Calling for a balanced approach to free market theory and interventionist measures, the author advocates the embracing of what he terms "sane" globalization, a system whereby national interests are not sacrificed at the alter of undisguised greed.
Cocking a snook at free market mavens, the author takes great pains to demonstrate the pernicious effects of ignoring the power of and the need for a nuanced state intervention. The Invisible Hand of Adam Smith at times has very visible adverse ramifications. Rabid free market proponents such as Jagdish Bhagwati of Columbia University would do well to read this work from cover-to-cover so as to realise their headstrong follies and ill-perceived notions.
"Globalisation Paradox" - A Universal wake-up call!
taylermae's review against another edition
3.0
This book focused heavily upon economics and the world economy: both how we got to this point and how we should move forward. He focuses on how many policy makers believe that full globalization is something to aspire to, and he argues that this way of thinking will ultimately not create many benefits. Instead, he makes a compelling argument that states should have "policy space" for their own growth plans instead of pushing for market access. However, I believe that Rodrik leaves no room for a discussion of the non-economic gains from globalization. In Chapter 7, he claims that it is much better to be poor in a rich country than rich in a poor country. However, in terms of other factors (such as overall health, lifespan, family-life, satisfaction, etc.) it is often better to be rich in a poor country. Even though the focus of this book is obviously on markets, I feel that if the author is going to make claims about what is "better" or "worse," he needs to look at more than wage and GDP.
whatyereadin's review
3.0
Wherein Dani tries to illustrate the benefits and ills of globalization. Long story short, let trade do whatever it wants, relax labour immigration laws and be super sketchy about financial globalization.
A little outdated at this stage but critical of the lack of democratic accountability in supra-national economic institutions our boy DRod makes a reasonable if not entirely convincing case for how to construct a rising tide that would indeed carry all boats.
3.5
A little outdated at this stage but critical of the lack of democratic accountability in supra-national economic institutions our boy DRod makes a reasonable if not entirely convincing case for how to construct a rising tide that would indeed carry all boats.
3.5
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