Signals: The Breakdown of the Social Contract and the Rise of Geopolitics

by Philippa Malmgren

Economic signals are everywhere, from fashion magazine covers to grocery stores to military events. Malmgren empowers the public by revealing the story of the world economy in plain English. Central banks are trying hard to create inflation but say there is little chance it will happen, yet many feel their cost of living is already rising, especially in emerging markets. Who can fail to notice the rising cost of a steak, of chocolates, of apartments, of education, of healthcare or that prices are simply more volatile than in the past? The public should be more welcomed into the most important questions of the Is deflation or inflation the greater risk? Does inflation “fix” deflation? Both forces are now locked in an epic struggle. The conflicting pressures are now stressing and breaking the vital social contracts that exist between citizens and their states, setting in motion many seemingly unrelated social unrest, the movement of manufacturing from emerging markets back to the US and the West, and even the near misses between the spy planes, fighter jets and naval vessels of the US, NATO, Japan, Russia and China. The one thing that can fix all this is innovation; acts of calculated risk taking that people undertake. Are governments hostile or hospitable to these already impressive efforts to build tomorrow’s economy today? Prediction, Malmgren says, is impossible, but, by being alert to the many signals around us, anyone can be better prepared to navigate through the troubles to the treasures of the world economy.

Genres: Economics, Nonfiction

364 pages, Hardcover

First published January 20, 2015

Reviews

[Tim Kohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who likes interdisciplinary ways of understanding economics, this is a strong book with above average readability. Dr. Malmgren ably ties in history, geopolitics, and pop culture to help anyone with a low sensitivity better grasp the trends and implications of what transpires in the global economy. Her chapter on China was perhaps the strongest example of helping lay out the case for why the US and China have such a strained, love-hate relationship and what contributes to both suspicion and consistent mutual need of one another.

[Fred Chish]

Perceptive people, go get this book. NOW!

[J.G. Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this several years ago in its first iteration (I understand there is a newer version.) "Signals" is how might one recognize the precursors to the events, tastes, trends, behaviors and attitudes that eventually lead up to what Malcolm Gladwell called, in his book, "The Tipping Point".

Thoughtful and informed by one of the more insightful public figures writing today.