Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Finance    3. International Relations - General    4. Political Science    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Public Policy - Economic Policy    7. Business & Economics / Finance    8. International trade    9. Investment & securities    10. Petroleum & oil industries   

Subjects:  1. Applied    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Development - Economic Development    6. Econometrics    7. Economic Theory    8. Economics - Theory    9. Game Theory    10. Business & Economics / Econometrics    11. Economics   

Reviews (5)

brilliant ideas, mediocre writing
This is probably as good an introduction to Sassen's work as any, as she covers most of her major ideas with relative brevity. The title is rather misleading (as is the case of Stiglitz's (later published) work of the same name)--she focuses on the dynamics and effects of globalization and does not discuss organized resistance by social movements to it. Sassen sees three macro-level phenomena at work--the hypermobility of capital, the "unbundling" of state sovereignty, and the rise of global cities. It is the last of these ideas for which she is probably best known. She does not really get into an analysis of the hypermobility of capital here, but many other authors have covered that matter. Her analyses of the unbundling of state sovereignty and the rise of global cities are far more original. Against the background of these macro-phenomena, Sassen also analyzes the rise of the service economy, immigration patterns, and the changing roles of women.
Warning: Contents Older than Globalization
What purports to be a book on globalization is actually only peripherally about globalization writ large. Sassen is interested in more specific aspects of globalization: its impact on migration (the huge theme of this book), its place-specificity, and its resultant dispersal of powers that used to belong solely to the nation-state. Her points are good, but you don't need this book to get them, since she's made them all elsewhere and ages ago; in brief, the occasional new insights are not worth it. Muddled and Confused
This book suffers from the kind of obfuscated language that a growing number of scholars seem to be able to get away with.Don't get me wrong: there are some interesting ideas in here.But their rewards do not outweigh the costs of sifting through the jargon-laden prose.The author should take a basic writing course. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Economic Conditions    2. Forecasting    3. International Relations - General    4. International relations    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Public Policy - Economic Policy    9. Economic theory & philosophy    10. Globalization    11. Macroeconomics    12. Political science & theory   

Reviews (29)

Valuable but flawed work
Democracy: The God That Failed, by noted market anarchist Hans-Hermann Hoppe, is a valuable but flawed book. First I'll talk about the valuable, and then about the flaw.
We need more books like this
Dr. Hoppe is one of the best libertarian/anarcho-capitalist writers out there. This book is well argued and well written. More writers should take Hoppe's lead in expanding on the themes here. Even if one finds contention with some of his ideas, largely one is left with a refreshing perspective not found in the usual drivel to be had in the social sciences. Highly recommended and worth having as a reference and an example of how to write well and reason well.
An Anarcho-Capitalist Manifesto.
_Democracy:The God That Failed:The Economics and Politics of Monarchy, Democracy, and Natural Order_ by Hans-Hermann Hoppe is an extremely radical and revisionist book which argues that the state is by definition a priori unjust and therefore must be abolished allowing capitalism free reign.So radical is this book that contrary to even extreme liberalism which advocates an ultra-minimal "night watchman" state to protect private property, here a complete private property anarchy is advocated (or "anarcho-capitalism") where private firms (insurance companies) compete to offer defense.
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Subjects:  1. Economic policy    2. Economics    3. History & Theory - General    4. Monarchy    5. Moral and ethical aspects    6. Political    7. Political Ideologies - Democracy    8. Political Science    9. Political aspects    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Public Policy - Economic Policy    13. Political Science / History & Theory    14. Political economy    15. Political structures: democracy   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Development - Economic Development    5. Economics    6. Economics - General    7. Economic theory & philosophy    8. Political economy    9. World history: c 1750 to c 1900   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Development - Economic Development    5. Economic History    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. Public Policy - Economic Policy    8. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    9. Business & Economics / Economics / General    10. Economics    11. USA    12. c 1990 to c 2000   

Reviews (51)

Required Reading for thoughtful individuals.
A must read perspective to understand current mega-societal economic, legal and political trends.

10 Years Later and it's coming true
I first read this book in 1996 and found it very interesting. It certainly gives a good history lesson. Last year, I decided to reread it. I have found many of their predictions come true, and none have been proven false yet. Unfortunately, I do believe the authors underestimated the power of the OECD to bully so called tax havens into capitulating. It is now almost impossible to open an offshore account as an American citizen. Not because it is illegal, but because offshore banks refuse to deal with the reporting requiremtns for Americans. A must read for any enlightened individual.

Very fanciful, not data-driven
This vision of the future reminded me of common errors on physics tests where the student leaves out a variable or two and makes a wildly incorrect prediction of an object's future behavior.People have many connections to a place, which do not depend merely on their own security or on currency fluctuations.These emotional and cultural connections will keep people from being entirely atomized and "at-will" citizens for a long time to come.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Development - Economic Development    4. Economic Conditions    5. Economics - General    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Business & Economics / Economic Conditions    9. Media studies    10. Media, information & communication industries   

Reviews (16)

The Cost of Stopping Sprawl
As a resident of San Jose, CA, the second Smart Growth City following Portland, OR.To prevent Sprawl we instituted an Urban Growth Boundary in 1974. Our home prices now average $750,000 and only 15% can afford an averaged priced home. The family arrived in San Jose in 1896 and the grand kids are now in College. Our planning for them is to live downtown in a high-rise and ride light-rail or commute to Stockton 60 miles away. Builders are paying one to three million an acre which eliminates any possibility of single family homes on their own lots. Adjacent is the flat Coyote Valley of 7,000 acres which has been under planning study for 20 years but developing it could be called Sprawl. Preventing Sprawl trumps the childrens' housing. We can and must do better.

Too "compact" for it's own good.
Although this book had some interesting things to say, it was, in general, too "compact" for its own good. Bruegmann's arguments against traditional anti-sprawl histories read more like a jedi mind trick than a careful argument. A more careful argument with more supporting facts would have added to the book. As it is, it seems to me that this book will do little to change anyone's view of the 21st century city.

Insightful, Objective, Shortsighted
Sprawl, right or wrong, has been with us through the ages.Bruegmann objectively debunks many myths about sprawl's history and its modern manifestations.The book's failing is to project future consequences. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cities and towns    2. City planning    3. General    4. Growth    5. History    6. History: World    7. Land use    8. Planning    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - Urban    11. Urban policy    12. Development studies    13. History / General    14. USA    15. Urban & municipal planning    16. Urban communities   

Subjects:  1. Africa, Sub-Saharan    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Capitalism    6. Commerce    7. Economic Conditions    8. Economic policy    9. Economics - General    10. Free enterprise    11. Marketing - General    12. Public Policy - Economic Policy    13. Business & Economics / Economics / General    14. Development economics    15. Microeconomics    16. Sub-Saharan Africa   

Reviews (1)

Economics isn't just about money!
"Economics is the study of how scarce resources are allocated among competing uses."- Steven Hackett starts with the basics, perhaps recognizing that many readers (like this reviewer)have a limited, if not non-existent level of knowledge of a subject that controls our lives.Contrary to widespread opinion, economics is not the dismal science, and neither is it an esoteric exercise that is limited to the likes of Alan Greenspan.Hackett's definition of scarcity is similarly enlightening as his definition of economics - "something is said to be scarce when, at a zero price, more is wanted than is available."So most things are scarce, and everyone makes economic decisions about allocating scarce resources, whether or not those allocation decisions involve money and market transactions. From those basic definitions and more, Hackett proceeds to explain and expand upon the value systems and the allocation decisions that we make as individuals and as a society.As the title implies, "Environmental and Natural Resource Economics" concentrates on the decisions that are made about the use of natural resources, including wilderness, forests, minerals, and fisheries. He also discusses pollution and the options for controlling pollution, including market mechanisms for pollution reduction.Sustainable development is a major theme of the book and Hackett explains a variety of approaches to sustainability.For anyone who wants more than an emotional opinion on the environment and the choices that society must make in its use of the environment, Steven Hackett provides a readable and valuable introduction to a subject of critical importance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Development - Economic Development    5. Development - Sustainable Development    6. Economic Conditions    7. Public Policy - General   

Subjects:  1. Development - Economic Development    2. Development - Sustainable Development    3. Environmental Science    4. Environmental Studies    5. Environmental policy    6. Political Science    7. Public Policy - General    8. Sociology    9. Sustainable development    10. United States    11. Central government policies    12. Science / Environmental Science    13. Sustainability    14. USA   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Development - Economic Development    3. Life Sciences - Biology - General    4. Life Sciences - Evolution    5. Paleontology    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Business & Economics / Economic Development    9. Mammals   

Reviews (8)

This is required reading for those who read about the future
As an accountant and business teacher, I have long wondered about governement's indebted funds--Social Security Debt (at least 15 trillion in debt which is basically equivalent to the total value of American publicstocks), Medicare Debt and other debts.This futurist book is one of thefew that has been able to understand this.This futurist book is one ofthe few that even discusses this. An Excellent Guide to the Possible Future
As a member of the financial industry, I'm always looking for hints as to which sectors of the market will do well in the future.This book is exactly what I was looking for.Using demographic trends, the authors havecome up with some scenarios which will definitely change my outlook on thefuture.

A BRILLIANT WORK
WAITE IS A GENIUS WHOS IDEAS ARE OUT OF THIS WORL ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1981-    2. Baby boom generation    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Development - Economic Development    6. Economic conditions    7. Economic forecasting    8. Economics - Theory    9. Investments    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Economics / Theory   

Subjects:  1. Community development    2. Economic development    3. Epistemology    4. Management    5. Participatory rural appraisal    6. Philosophy    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    10. Development studies    11. International relations   

Reviews (7)

A must read!
A must read for anyone interested in the private security industry and the new future of war!
Fantastic book, but I fail to see the problems with privately owned militaries
This book details the present trend of private military firms and providers replacing state-financed armies in several key areas of national defense.Like most good econ students, before reading this book I was under the impression that armies had always been national entities and mercenaries were the exception to the rule.It was truly shocking to find out that the only century in the history of the world where the majority of soldiers were direct employees of states was the twentieth century.(Is it therefore a coincidence that the greatest and most destructive wars in the history of the world were fought in the twentieth century?Maybe)This book showed me that the most unquestioned public good, the military, might be better provided by the market than by the state.
An great look inside the modern private military companies
P.W. Singer has written a very insightful and detailed look into the modernization and globalization of the private military firms. The private military firm is not a new concept but actually dates back thousands of years. These firms are better known under the more controversial name: mercenaries.
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Subjects:  1. Industries - General    2. International    3. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Public Policy - Economic Policy    8. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (3)

Counterintuitive and powerful.
The conventional wisdom among the members of the public is that the European welfare state is based on progressive taxation, with the government taking the role of Robin Hood.Lindert totally refutes this notion.He shows convincingly that throughout the modern history, the greater welfare expenditure has always been accompanied by increasingly regressive taxation, contrary to what people--especially American liberals--tend to believe.While the tax on income may appear more progressive, this hides both the fact that most European countries--especially those with high welfare expenditures--rely heavily on indirect taxes which are generally regressive in nature, and that numerous loopholes reduce effective tax rate even for income.The logic driving the study is simple:people pay for what they get; they don't put up with being forced to pay for what they don't get.
Your best hopes confirmed
Peter Lindert has done humanity a great service, settled many scores, and given us both a perspective and a vocabulary with which to address the contentious issue of social spending and wealth transfer.
Clear headed and practical
This is a very informative book that clears up lots of misconceptions. It explains why the "wellfare state" is still around, even after so many death notices. The analysis shows that there is no net negative cost for comprehensive and universal social programs, and that there are often significant benefits. For those who can read this book without ideological and political blinders, there is much to learn from Peter Lindert's book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Case studies    5. Development - Economic Development    6. Economics - Macroeconomics    7. Government spending policy    8. History    9. Income distribution    10. Transfer payments    11. Business & Economics / Economic Development    12. Development economics    13. Economic history   

Reviews (2)

The Dammed Truth
It is a common argument that large dam construction opponents are radical, and are not thinking the "facts" through logically.It is a common argument that these so-called radicals are unconcerned with the greatest common good, and are concentrating on a few tribals and farmers who happened to have their lives destroyed for the sake of benefiting thousands of other lives.Sadly, a majority of people have no idea what the "huge fuss" is concerning large dams. "Why the huge fuss," they ask, "over a few farmers?"These questions are asked by many citizens of the international community.If large dams are helping a developing country move forward in a modern world, why not build more?All over the world, large dams are in the spotlight of international development -- and they haven't arrived there without reason.
Richly detailed, thorough coverage of key topic.
This book excels at laying out the thousands of inter-related details that go into large dams: their geographic countenance, their economic costs and impact, the public health aspects and more.It makes links between facts that give valuable insight into the global dam market.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Dams    3. Economic aspects    4. Environmental aspects    5. General    6. International Relations - General    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Real Estate - General    10. Social aspects    11. Applied ecology    12. Development studies    13. Management of land & natural resources    14. Pollution & threats to the environment   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Case studies    4. Development - Economic Development    5. Economic Development    6. Economic development projects    7. Evaluation    8. India    9. Methods Of Economic Analysis    10. Business & Economics / Economic Development    11. Communication Studies    12. Development studies    13. Economics   

Reviews (2)

Eye-Opening
Hurricane Katrina was a national disaster that was played out on an international stage. In this age of instant and graphic communication where there is an increasingly thin line between news and entertainment, the whole world watched while the hurricane bore down on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The world watched with sick fascination as pictures of death and devastation flashed across their television screens. Untold millions watched as the New Orleans levies let go, inundating the city with water. And the world saw the response which was both impressive in its speed and frustrating in its disorganization. In The Politics of Disaster, Marvin Olasky, professor of journalism at the University of Texas and editor-in-chief of World magazine, takes a look back at this disaster and looks forward to the inevitable "Katrinas" of the future. "This book examines incidents, some partially preventable, that have a major negative impact on the ability of an entire community to live peaceably."
Destroys the Myths and Offers Strategies for the Future
Marvin Olasky's new book on Katrina stands out among the rest because it is the first to look closely at "what worked" as well as what failed in the days following the storm. It is the first to identify the important role that faith-based efforts played in the recovery, and most importantly, it is the only book to offer real strategies for the future.
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Subjects:  1. Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations    2. Disaster Situation Planning    3. Disaster relief    4. Disasters & Disaster Relief    5. Government (General)    6. Government - General    7. Government - U.S. Government    8. Hurricane Katrina, 2005    9. Louisiana    10. Natural Disasters    11. New Orleans    12. Political Science    13. Politics / Current Events    14. Politics/International Relations    15. Public Policy - Economic Policy    16. United States    17. Political Science / General   

Reviews (22)

A very fine book
Mallaby has written a fine biography of James Wolfensohn. But perhaps more interestingly the narrative paints a vivid description of international development over the last 30-40 years. The ever changing World Bank is detailed with all qualities laid bare; what I most enjoyed about this book was the balanced analysis it recieved.
Well documented - poorly written
So many annoyingly suggestive phrases like 'as if they knew ...' or 'if only ...'.It's definitely journalism, and I really appreciated the endnotes, but the hackneyed writing became frustrating to mentally drop every second paragraph.

Captivating story of trends in development thinking
Mallaby tells a fine story that achieves a balance between good storytelling and insightful analysis. He discusses several questions:
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Subjects:  1. Banks & Banking    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Development - Economic Development    6. Economic development    7. Finance    8. Financial crises    9. International - General    10. International Banking    11. International Cooperation    12. Presidents    13. Public Policy - Economic Policy    14. Wolfensohn, Jim    15. World Bank    16. Business & Economics / Banks & Banking