The Globalization Paradox

Democracy and the Future of the World Economy

By: Dani Rodrik

Narrated by: Mark Whitten

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.

©2011 Dani Rodrik (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Cogent, well-written...critiques unalloyed globalization enthusiasts, taking aim at their desire to fully liberalize foreign trade ad capital movements." ( Foreign Affairs)

Must read for everyone interested in Globalization

Dani Rodrik mananges to give a broad overview yet sophisticated analysis of globalization, its winners and losers, and how to proceed from here. Will definitely look for more books of him!

Very interesting perspective

Basically, this is Rodrik's explanation of his new system for globalization. It is really well written and well performed.

A remarkable perspective

I got the book because my son had just finished a class with Professor Rodrik at Harvard. I teach an intro ECON class for high schoolers so have a few opinions on the topic. He provides a sweeping view of economic history and insights into current economic trends that I hadn’t heard before...he’s like that clear contrary voice wafting our of the cacophony of economic opinion. And he provides reasoned solution options for the world economic order to move forward. Actually gives you hope we could narrow the gap and bring the least advantages nations along.

A good but biased book

This books raises interesting points that really should be part of any discussion about globalization, but it is ultimately a biased book.
This anti-globalization bias can be seen all over the book, but becomes quite apparent on chapter 7. In this chapter the author argues that well read econonists who know a lot about a lot of things (like the author) argue against globalization, while more dogmatic and pundit minded ones (called hedghogs throughout the chapter) are the only ones who argue for globalization. This argument is soon followed by the tale of how pro-trade economists only think the way they do because they were following the fashionable trend of supporting trade, but fails to acknowledge that anti-trade economists may suffer from the same bias in a world that is becoming more protectionist by the day. These are only the 2 most obvious case of the book biases.
Again: it is a good book, but biased. Readers beware!

informative

informative, yet a single perspective on a complicated topic. made good use of specific examples which helped make it feel much more relevant.