Zero-Sum World: Politics, Power and Prosperity After the Crash

by Gideon Rachman

The economic crisis that struck the world in 2008 has drastically altered the logic of international relations. Globalisation no longer benefits all the world's superpowers and they face an array of global problems that are causing division between nations. A win-win world is giving way to a zero-sum world. Zero-sum logic, in which one country's gain looks like another's loss, has prevented the world from reaching an agreement to fight climate change and threatens to create a global economic stalemate. These new tensions are intensified by the emergence of dangerous political and economic problems that risk provoking wars, environmental catastrophe and ever-deeper debilitating economic crises. This timely and important book argues that international politics is about become much more volatile - and sets out what can be done to break away from the crippling logic of a zero-sum world.

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

328 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Szplug · Rating 3 out of 5]

As other reviews have noted, Rachman engages in far more journalism than analysis and interpretation, while his conclusion—in the face of all that has been sequentially aggregated and anticipated in the pages before, including that of his postulation that the financial crash of 2008 slipstreamed us back into a zero-sum mindset—an Age of Anxiety appended to those of Transformation (80s) and Optimism (90s & 00s up to the Gooey Kablooie)—in regard to nations engirt within a globalized politico-economic environment—is remarkably mundane in its let's not do anything rash messaging. Still, Rachman is a pleasant writer, the summation is solid, and his thematic speculation reasonably interesting.

[Brendan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is pretty good. Parts one and two are all review ( you could skip part one if you've been awake for the last 30 years )

[Iris Wynants · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachman presents a clear and truly global overview of the rise of capitalism and globalization. He manages to do this in understandable language but due to the fact that he covers several decades in just under 300 pages some background knowledge is recommended. Though the author is clearly pro capitalism and globalization his opinion doesn't get mingled with the facts. My main criticism would be the lack of nuance. On the other hand it will be hard to find another book this manegeable and yet thorough about the recent economic and political history.

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Rachman identifies the shift in global thought from a "win-win" mindset to a "zero-sum" mindset in the late Obama presidency. Many of the trends he identifies have only intensified in the past few years.

I read this book as a part of my project to read one book from every aisle in Olin Library. You can read more about the project, find reactions to other books, and (eventually) a fuller reaction to this one here: https://jacobklehman.com/library-read

[Kevin]

A sweeping view, but felt a bit late to the party on this one.

[Herzog · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author worked for the Economist and, currently, the Financial Times so he is extremely well-informed. He does an excellent job of summarizing recent history beginning with the rebirth of China under Deng Xioping and consistently emphasizing Fukuyama's End of History thesis. The historical review, which takes up over half of the book, is well written but doesn't provide much insight if you're familiar with current events. The final section of the book tries to put more recent events into context and, as a result, was, to me, the book's most interesting section. Since any book that attempts to predict the future is likely to be inaccurate, it was impressive that Rachman cited the democratization of Egypt specifically before it ever happened!

[Ashish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book provides fantastic historical insight into the economic and geopolitical history of the world. It clearly lists the problems that each country faces. In some cases I even agree with the author's solutions to the problems, but the solutions though logical will mostly be unimplementable in the current political state of world. The only solution that I disagree with is that for the world to prosper America needs to return to its seat of absolute power. I don't mean that America and Americans should suffer continued economic insecurity. But what I would prefer as the ultimate solution is that the most successful democracies should come together to implement and execute the solutions that the global economy so desperately needs

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 2 out of 5]

A discussion of the economic and political factors of economic globalization whose supporters say is a win-win situation and zero-sum theory whose supporters say is a win-lose situation. The author appears to support a global economy along the lines of theoretical communism where everyone is supposed to benefit when those with more make sacrifices to give to those with less. It was a dry and conducing read to me and I came away with the impression that the author feels tat we should be citizens of the world first and Americans last even if it means giving up our national sovereignty.

[Katherine Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachman (of the FT) makes a case here against a zero-sum, protectionist, you win/I lose sort of mindset when it comes to world affairs. It is one of those meta-notions that seems to be deeply seated in our minds (and not just regarding world affairs) – the idea of a fixed pie that we need to fight for, as opposed to a cherry tree that we can nourish together to produce many more pies for all. (Don’t worry, Rachman does not use corny gardening analogies like I do).

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative if you have ignored the worlds events going on around you for a few years. I agree with the notion of zero sum economics which is explained well here. Author extrapolates that a little further to portray a zero sum quality of life. Interesting but still the book is mostly background information.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book well exceeded my expectations. Although the thinking is heavily stooped in the thinking common during the period immediately following the 2008 financial crisis, it includes many valuable insights that have since fallen by the wayside. Enjoy the book, it reads quite fast.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the last few decades and where things might be heading.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was surprised, as I thought this would be an up to date book, which it is, but not much new, and a lot of waffle.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah. The world is pretty much fucked.