You must read this...

[LVG]

I'm looking for books that expand my horizon, that challenge my worldview.

Any ideas?

 

[Kel Varnsen]

I finished The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy last night. Seems like it might fit your criterion.

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.

Foreign Affairs

Surveying three centuries of economic history, a Harvard professor argues for a leaner global system that puts national democracies front and center.

From the mercantile monopolies of seventeenth-century empires to the modern-day authority of the WTO, IMF, and World Bank, the nations of the world have struggled to effectively harness globalization's promise. The economic narratives that underpinned these eras—the gold standard, the Bretton Woods regime, the "Washington Consensus"—brought great success and great failure. In this eloquent challenge to the reigning wisdom on globalization, Dani Rodrik offers a new narrative, one that embraces an ineluctable tension: we cannot simultaneously pursue democracy, national self-determination, and economic globalization. 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.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Globaliza...tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1356707108&sr=8-1

 

[Avondale Red Rage]

Try Tragedy and Hope by Carroll Quigley -

From Goodreads: "Want to know how the world really works behind the scenes? Want to know who is really running things in America? What is the hidden, powerful force that seems to control U.S. policies no matter who is elected?

Now you can read true history of the modern world in way it is never taught in schools and universities (except for the select elite). Well Professor Quigley, Bill Clinton's former mentor history professor was on the "inside" and for a generation he taught the future elite leaders at the Jesuit Georgetown University. He was obscure to the public until 1992 when Bill Clinton paid fond tribute to him in his nomination acceptance speech. Quigley then, 15 years after his death, became instantly world famous, and his brilliant works, especially this one, always intended to be largely secret and in low circulation, began to be scrutinized by people everywhere. The result? This book is not speculative but authoritative and is written in a powerful compelling style, and relevant.

As of his death in 1977 Dr. Carroll Quigley is no longer with us, yet Tragedy and Hope is a hallmark of history, a classic to be owned by those who care to know of the forces that have shaped and are shaping history."

[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/726546.Tragedy_and_Hope