One From the Many: The Global Economy Since 1850

Amid a recent surge in arguments that the global economy has begun to "de-globalize," a question has emerged: will globalization survive? In One from the Many: The Global Economy since 1850, Christopher M. Meissner argues that based on the long-run of history, globalization will not be easily vanquished. This brief introduction to the economic history of the global economy and the process of globalization since 1850 tracks and explains changes in international trade, migration, and capital flows over time. All key indicators of globalization rose between 1850 and 1914 during the first wave of globalization. Between 1918 and 1939 the global economy stagnated, suffering a momentous collapse during the Great Depression of the 1930s. After World War II, the global economy re-emerged and integration deepened. A long-run view suggests that rising integration and growth of global economy can generate economic benefits and raise welfare. Given these lessons, the global economy will almost surely survive and integration will continue to grow. However, globalization can only survive if humanity continues to recognize its common interests and the untapped potential of further integration. At the same time, the potential adverse effects of greater integration must be acknowledged, mitigated, and minimized. Meissner's brief history of the global economy offers economics, political science, and history students a new perspective on the history of its subject matter, with an eye on a future where globalization has the potential to persist as an integrative force.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 The Very Long Run: 10,000 BCE - 1820 CE Chapter 3 The Great Specialization: 1820 -1914 Chapter 4 International Investment, 1820 -1914 Chapter 5 Inter-dependence and Instability in the Classical Gold Standard Era Chapter 6 The Great Migrations Chapter 7 The Beginning of the End: Backlash to the First Wave of Globalization Chapter 8 World War I and its Legacy (Prologue to the Great Depression): 1914-1928 Chapter 9 The Great Depression: An Unprecedented International Economic Crisis Chapter 10 Rebuilding the World Economy (yet, again) Chapter 11 The Global Economy in the Post-War Era Chapter 12 The Bretton Woods System - A New Regime Chapter 13 International Financial Flows and Financial Crises after the End of the Bretton Woods System Chapter 14 The International Economy since 2000: Hyperglobalization and Beyond Chapter 15 Prospects for the Global Economy in the 21st Century References

About the Author :
Christopher M. Meissner is professor of economics at the University of California, Davis and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Review :
The book reveals how globalization has been a powerful driver of progress while also amplifying inequalities and challenges-a story of both triumph and turmoil.