One World, Ready or Not : The Manic Logic of Global Capitalism

by William Greider

The world is in the midst of an industrial and economic revolution more far-reaching than the one that transformed Europe and North America in the 19th century. According to William Greider, this revolution is a juggernaut that neither multinational corporations nor governments can control. Greider looks at the impact of the global revolution in terms of human struggle. While huge amounts of wealth are being generated, there is a downside, social dislocation; economic uncertainty; and the oldest, rawest form of exploitation--that of the weak by the strong. Greider proposes a number of steps governments of the world can take to avert moderate the flow of goods by imposing tariffs to rectify trade deficits, change labor practices in developing countries, and allow labor to share in the ownership of capital.

Genres: Economics, Politics, Nonfiction, Business, History, International Relations, Journalism

528 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Kevin J. Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific review of the effects and direction of economic globalization. Greider leaves open the question of whether or not these developments are positive or negative, while always keeping the human story in the foreground. Well done.

[Erik Riker-Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me about 15 years to finish this, which isn't the greatest commentary, particularly given that I've devoured several other books by Greider and regard him very highly. It isn't a page-turner, especially in the early going--it does feel more compelling later on. That said, it is a good book and it is very much worth reading--one result of the perverse way in which I read this is that a lot of the "just happened"/predictive elements in a late 1990s book wind up looking depressingly prescient 18 or so years after he wrote it. As I picked this back up again over the last month or two (I probably read 2/3 or 3/4 of the book in this iteration), I was really struck by how well Greider's take continues to align with the realities--mostly the grim realities--of the present-day global political economy.

[Rich Olivito · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books on the rapid pace of globalization and the impact it is having on our world today...and the train that is coming down the tracks...regardless of what nationalism and "making America great" thinking does to try to stop it...

[Theo Anastopoulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The single best book I have read explaining the intricacies of global financial markets and their discontents. I will reread/reference this book for years to come.

[Public Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a seven course meal - a lot to digest! I kind of had to psych myself up before starting it because I knew this book was the opposite of breezy summer reading. However, it is a very rewarding book if you're willing to stick with it. Among the many things I learned along the way: why American companies are moving industry overseas (not just because of cheaper labor!), how global finance is becoming more powerful than nation states (including some spookily-accurate predictions a full decade before the global financial crisis of 2007), and of course a broad and understandable explanation of how globalization works in today's modern economy. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the practical whys and wherefores of globalization.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anecdotal, but telling, account of the mechanisms behind globalization and the race to the bottom. Greider is not an ivory tower economist, but I think he successfully struck a cord with this book.

Especially now (October 10, 2008, DJIA down 20% for the week and 44% for the year), I feel that perhaps Greider will receive some vindication over his warnings about capital roaming the globe looking for the best price. We are witnessing some effects of that right now.

Will we address the fundamental instabilities? I'm not personally optimistic.

[Marcello Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most accurate descriptions of our era I´ve read.

While reading his books, one can feel the real life they are founded on; we almost vividly experience his arguments. We hear the voices, listen to the noises and heart beats, smell and taste.

Greider is an enlightened author. The way he writes gives us permission to dialogue with him just like we were face to face.

[Dave B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an exciting page turner read it a good 10 plus years ago but still relevant.

In my opinion what IS important about this book and to add to others reviews I would say this book does a very good job ox explaining how China went from being a socalled third world country to co-opting leading US Uk etc firms to incorporating Chinese firms in the global supply chain which eventually enabled Chinese firms to become car, plane, computer etc manufacturer’s in their own right. That Western firms allowed this to happen by fixating on short to medium term profit where as China played a very long game.

IMPORTANTLY this is why the likes of Boeing and other leading manufacturers do not really speak out against China. This is why listening to leading global firms may have made sense in the 1960/80s but in the Global world these companies have effectively outgrown their home market and been assimilated into the global supply chain.

Greider is a left leaning guy and was an early voice in warning against dangerous health & safety etc in China and developing Countries.

So an important read rather than an exciting read.

This knowledge is still with me and gives a perspective that few others mention and gives me an advantage in understanding the Global situation even if I got bored many moons ago of following the day to day news.

[Thomas Ray]

HB501 G647 1997 Memorial Library

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An older book, but that describes the way Capitalism and globalisation has been going, quite enlightening, with examples from all over the world.

Quite a good retrospective analysis, and even with 15 years gone by, it is excellent to read current news with this angle.

For example
The Free Market system has worked wonders, but.

I quote:
The social question – How does a society equable relations among it’s own people ? – has been brushed aside by the economic sphere. Social cohesion and consent, even the minimal standards of human decency are irrelevant to free markets.

The essential purpose of deregulation, after all, is to free markets of functions of such non economic considerations. …”

I highly recommend reading this, and remember that I lean to the right, and have been an entrepreneur, so understand cash-flow, capital and balance sheets.

[Alvin Ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

overwhelming in its length, but incredible ideas

[Beth in SF · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at globalization.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but long

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!