The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy - Softcover

Required reading for those who seek to prevent the financial crises and unfair trade practices that feed the backlash against the open markets.--Nouriel Roubini, coauthor of Crisis Economics: A Crash Course in the Future of Finance

In this cogent, well-written book, Rodrik, a Harvard economist, critiques unalloyed globalization enthusiasts, taking aim at their desire to fully liberalize foreign trade and capital movements.--Richard N. Cooper

Takes on the biggest issue of our time--globalization--and eloquently enlarges the debate about the extent and limits of global cooperation.--Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister

Although [Rodrik's] message is nuanced and rigorous, drawing on history, logic and the latest economic data, he manages to convey it in simple, powerful prose that any reader can follow. . . . A much-needed addendum to [Adam] Smith's famous formulation.--Steven Pearlstein

Simply the best recent treatment of the globalization dilemma that I've read, by an economist or anyone else. . . . He gives us nothing less than a general theory of globalization, development, democracy, and the state. The book provides the pleasure of following a thoughtful, critical mind working through a complex puzzle. Rodrik writes in highly friendly and nontechnical prose, blending a wide-ranging knowledge of economic history and politics and a gentle, occasionally incredulous, skepticism about the narrow and distorting lens of his fellow economists.--Robert Kuttner

A Big Book, one that may shape a new way of thinking about the global economy. . . . The style is conversational, but sweeping and authoritative--professorial in the positive sense. Rodrik is less of a polemicist . . . preferring to stay inside the tent, but he can pack a polite punch when necessary.--Duncan Green, Oxfam International, author of From Poverty to Power

In this eloquent challenge to the reigning wisdom on globalization, Dani Rodrik reminds us of the importance of the nation-state, arguing forcefully that when the social arrangements of democracies inevitably clash with the international demands of globalization, national priorities should take precedence. Combining history with insight, humor with good-natured critique, Rodrik’s case for a customizable globalization supported by a light frame of international rules shows the way to a balanced prosperity as we confront today’s global challenges in trade, finance, and labor markets.