sonic_the_hedgehog 's review for:

The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time by Jeffrey D. Sachs

3.0

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Sachs provides some very real statistics for the crushing reality of extreme poverty in the world, and outlines what he believes needs to be done to alleviate the poverty trap and bring the poorest nations into the world market, encouraging growth. However, this book holds some unrealistic perspectives on what nations, non-state actors, and international bodies are actually willing to do with regards to targeted investments and international humanitarian aid. Overall, this book is a good read for those who seek to learn more about the structure and causes of cyclical poverty, and the possible methods of alleviation through national and international investments. However, this book's somewhat apparent view on rich states (read: Western colonial powers and China) as being capable of even the slightest amount of altruism simply does not hold true to reality, as much as we wish it could. This is not to discredit the entire book, however. Sachs has a lengthy career in the United Nations and in international development, and does not write as an outsider.