The 21st Century Economy--A Beginner's Guide: With 101 Easy-to-Master Tools for Surviving and Thriving in the New Global Marketplace

by Randy Charles Epping

A comprehensive, accessible guide to understanding today's global economy, from the author of the bestselling A Beginner's Guide to the World Economy.

While reporting on today's world, business and mainstream media alike use terms and mention trends that even the savviest consumer may find baffling. In his latest book, Randy Charles Epping uses compelling narratives and insightful analogies to clearly and concisely explain the rapidly changing way business is done in the twenty-first century, without a single chart or graph. Epping defines key ideas and commonly used words and phrases like carbon footprint, WTO, economy of scale, NAFTA, and outsourcing. He also illustrates how central banks help navigate global crises and drive the global economy, discusses the benefits of Green Economics, shows how trade wars can be avoided, and explains the virtual economy, where multimillion dollar transactions take place in the blink of an eye. Complete with 89 easy-to-master tools for surviving and thriving in the new global marketplace and an extensive glossary, The 21st Century A Beginner's Guide is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complex economy of the world in which we live.

Genres: Economics, Business, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Peter Scholtens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent introduction to terms and concepts you'll see regularly referred to in the financial section of today's papers and blogs. It reviews all the major ideas, gives decent definitions, and elaborates with good examples and interesting historical anecdotes.

There are a few glaring errors, however, which is why I only gave it 3 stars. For example, the book referred to internet slander campaigns as malware.

Written at about the level of a senior in high school, this book is suitable for any reader hoping to learn and understand more about the current state of global finance.

[Andy Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible, brief introduction to modern economic concepts. If you know very little about the modern economy, or get lost in all the lingo in news reports, articles etc regarding the economy, this book is a good, quick read to at least be able to understand them. The worst part about this book, in my opinion, was the author's obvious right-wing conservatism interwoven throughout and the awkward investing advice - these should not have been in a book about an introduction to the economy.

[Leonardo Lombardi · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me the first half had some interesting considerations, but the rest was too shallow, too general. Wound not recomend, even more so because it's dated. A lot has changed since the book publication
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[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was super easy to read, with a bit of nerdy humor thrown in at times. By "easy" I mean "well-written" - Epping has very clear prose and uses effective metaphor to explain convoluted concepts. For example, he likens the IMF to a paramedic, while the World Bank is a family doctor. I've taken a handful of econ classes as an undergraduate, and am spending this summer reviewing economic theory to see if it's something I want to study at the graduate level. This book was a great litmus test to gauge my interest in the subject matter. The glossary in the back of the book is really well done and actually explains the concepts - not just defines them. I preferred this book to the wildly popular Freakonomics. While Freakonomics is quirky and enjoyable in it's own right, if you're looking for valid information that is easily transferable to terms and concepts you're reading about in the news, The 21st Century Economy is a great book to pick up. I suggest it to anyone taking an econ class who is a bit confused by the textbooks. It's perfect for adult (or enthusiastic teen) novices in economic theory, or in my case - for a quick refresher on terms like PNTR and Subprime Mortgage Securities ;)

[ADD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good reference with many definitions. Some parts of the book were poorly edited (see chapter 6), but chapters on international trade and green economy were good starters. I did wish the author got into more detail on some topics and subjects seemed to shift quickly without transition, which made it difficult to read in places.

[Upom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide to "fusion economics" in a faster and more interconnected world. Covers a lot of material, but is surprisingly accessible. One of the best places to start if you want to know more about economics.

[jin kato]

This book is truly for beginner's. Easy to read, occasionally humorous, and sparkled with good analogies.
I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to learn about the details of this ever expanding global economy.

[Anibal]

A good (slim) book on economic literacy"

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely informative. Global capitalism, growing markets, the power of the financial sector, and globalization isn't going anywhere right now - might as well learn about it a little.

[VENKATRAMAN C K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to get a good perspective on macroeconomics in a globally connected world.

[Kacper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is like, "no matter what the government does, the economy will do its own thing."

[Calvyn Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really want to give this book 4.5 stars. The author wrote in a way that made the subject of the economy, interseting and understandable!

[Kaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend it others.