The recent waves of recession in the Western hemisphere, unending wars, and political changes would have us believe that the world is in a really bad shape. But that is not so, according to the author of The Great Surge. Steven Radelet in his new book shows us how the world has changed in the last two decades for the better. He shows that specific countries may have seen their fortunes changing, but the world as a whole has only seen unprecedented growth and development in terms of income and well-being.
Steven Radelet has worked in developing countries around the world for thirty years and currently serves as economic adviser to the President of Liberia. He holds the Donald F. McHenry Chair in Global Human Development at Georgetown University and is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
The Great Surge: The Ascent of the Developing World
Author: Steven Radelet
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (November 10, 2015)
ISBN: 1476764786, 978-1476764788
The Great Surge Summary
In a political environment across the world where leaders are thinking of blocking trade and closing borders, The Great Surge shows the readers of the good that has been done since the end of the Cold War. Political stability, and visionary leadership that followed the end of cold war has uplifted billions across the world. Eonomic growth and democracy has brought peace, and eradicated hunger.
The surge is not just in the poster child countries like India and China, but also in deep pockets of Africa and East Asia. The authors shows how various political events like the fall of Berlin wall and change in the communist rule in China has precipitated this change.
Radelet explores the role of World Bank and US foreign aid efforts in bringing about this change in combating diseases like Malaria and Diarrhea. But the book is not just about praising the developed world and its role. The author also criticizes the various programs and how they could much better.
The author then presents three different scenarios toward the end of the book. he looks at how the world will shape up if we continue with the development programs as they are, how it will suffer if we put a stop to the aid program or scale it back, and worst-case scenario where the world plunges into wars and chaos.
In summary, The Great Surge paints an optimistic picture about what we have collectively achieved in the last couple of decades with advancement of technology and globalization. Definitely a case for why open trade policies can help the world prosper together with an economic rise in a new demographic.
The Great Surge Audience Reviews
The bias of the author for praising the World Bank and US Aid programs is pointed out by many readers. They also note that the data used by the author to substantiate his claims are one dimensional and lacks variety. Readers also feel that the ultimate goal of the book seems a bit vague. It also loses out to depth when it comes to content, for some. Overall, The Great Surge gets and above average ratings from readers.
The Great Surge Excerpt
The Great Surge: Additional Reading
“A good book for policymakers and readers interested in global current affairs.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“this is a refreshing counterperspective that can only enhance informed debate on the topic.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly
Get your copy of The Great Surge and tell us what do you think about the book? Does it present a balanced perspective on the topic, or is it just a mouthpiece for more aid to the developing world.