Rating: 
Summary: Knowing the Unknowns
Review: A splendid piece of art explaining the different phases of Globalization. The authors continue to preach the need for an open economy and ongoing entrepreneurial mindset open to innovation with boldness to dare tread the unbounding realms of the business sphere.Our world is only limited in our minds and the benefits of wealth is unbounding,and yields itself willingly to those that are hungry enough to seek better ways of tranforming the traditional business norms.
We are barely scratching surface and the cycle of change has only begun.The benefits of Globalisation are phenomenal.
Rating:
Summary: Our destiny has been detected, the journey always suspected
Review: Both authors are economists, but are able to be quite witty at times eventhough their profession makes that difficult. It is very convincing although not all parts can be a perfect crystal ball, judging by the human experience of the past, where greed, protectionism, politics and inate machiavellian charactersitics of a man exist. However it should be noted that this book does comment on all those factors and outlines the possibilities. Lots of ifs. If we are to embrace the forecoming events we can make it work. It takes us from slums of the World to the dynamics of huge multi-national conglomerates such as Cargil, Schlumberger, Intel, GE, Daimler-Chysler, P & G, CitiCorp, Exxon-Mobile, Union Carbide, AT & T, Philip Morris, Daewoo, Boeing, Time Warner, Walmart, Microsoft and a slew of new Tech and Communication Companies. It also tells of the opportunites for small fast moving companies. It tells of fears and inherent problems from government intervention, and the effects of a World economy based and replicated on any one current model such as our capitalistic structure. English is the computer laguage of the World. Will the dollar and Euro merge? This is a good book and a great read for the one World economy critics as well as the pro one world, one people Planet and economy. Every entrepeneur should read it. It is great that these authors have taken the time to put our thoughts and goals into words and put it in a book that anyone can understand. I would recommend it and also recommend you recommend it to associates who do not yet see the light.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding study of the drivers of globalization
Review: Exhaustively researched and thoroughly considered, A Future Perfect tries to communicate the "other view" of globalization, that of the economists and businesspeople who see its benefits to society. By presenting both sides of the story, then rebutting the anti-globalization viewpoint, Micklethwait and Woolridge nearly achieve their goal of proving globalization is a net positive to the world. Their understandable reluctance to prove many of the conclusions reached due to space and complexity considerations is the only frustrating aspect of this book -- the reader is ultimately left in the same position she started in: supportive of or repulsed by globalization. That being said, the book is an incredibly rich discussion of the bewildering complexity of globalization. For someone not involved in the intimate details of the subject, the glimpses into the IMF, WTO, UN, national governments, and various other NGOs are fascinating, breathing life into a world only hinted at in news reports and magazine articles. For anyone who really cares about the political and economic development path of the next 20 years (especially in light of the recent WTC bombings), and has not kept up with the leading edge of debate on the subject, this book is indispensable.
Rating: 
Summary: ?No Logo? for grownups
Review: Future Perfect addresses what has become this era's equivalent of the Cold War; the discussion of whether globalisation is working for or against us. Bearing all traits of a classic media-fuelled conflict, i.e. simplification, exaggeration in all directions and, as always, a myriad of people taking a stand for others when they really have nothing to do with the issue at stake (compare the number of times when you've read thoughts on globalization by, for instance, a former child labourer, or an African farmer as opposed to the number of times you've seen well-dressed politicians delivering promises for change in the Third World or masked suburban kids tossing Molotov cocktails at policemen, all in the name of globalization). Refreshing then that John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge has opted for a different, and frankly more sober, view of this complex and politically charged subject matter. Fans of Micklethwait and Wooldridge will recognize their style of writing from the brilliant "Witch Doctors", a critical analysis of the management thinker-industry, and on a superficial level Future Perfect is as enjoyable to read with a prose that shimmers with intelligence and wit whilst at the same time delivering insights into the many parts and people of the world that globalization has touched in one way or another. But referring to Future Perfect as "an enjoyable read" is as shallow as calling Schindlers List "a scary film". It is necessary to dissect certain parts of this work in order to better understand the argument that the authors present in favour of globalization. At heart, Micklethwait and Wooldridge, are as arch-conservative as their mother magazine, The Economist (although the magazine would much more prefer the term moderate liberal), which complicates their independence in discussing the subject matter, because just like the Cold War conflict, globalization has also become a war between leftists and rightists; between those who think that the gobalization we are witnessing is dictated by the harsh world of western capitalism and those who think that only capitalism can save the oppressed regimes around the world, trade not aid as they say. The difficulty that arises, and that Mickltethait and Wooldridge unfortunately cannot steer clear of, is the problem of definition; Globalization of what? For whom? One of the reasons that this subject matter has become so politically charged is the fact that the pro's and con's seem to be talking past each other and instead focusing on sensationalist media-frenzy, whether it be poor little infants hammering away in sneaker factories or pot smoking youth blabbering about the world bank when their only excuse to go to Seattle or Prague was that there was no Woodstock or Lollapallooza around at the time. It is easier to react at simplistic and arcane symbols than to do the complex work needed in order to better understand this issue. It is, however, refreshing that the authors at least attempt a definition of the driving forces behind globalization; technological innovation, management ideas and the free flow of capital since it presents a framework within which the reader can feel more comfortable with what type of perspective the authors are trying to convey. Another uplifting fact is that the authors do not disqualify any area or opinion in the book. Always sensitive for the fact that people and organizations have presented different arguments in the fight for or against globalization, Future Perfect reads almost like a journalistic summary of voices on globalization, not unlike "The Witch Doctors" relationship to the management gurus. What this aspect also adds is something that the other significant book on globalization right now, No Logo by Naomi Klein, failed to do; to allow both sides to have it out so that the ultimate verdict on whether globalization is something that should be favored or fought, will be determined by the only people who should; you, me and all other people who are getting involved in this issue at the moment.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing Book
Review: Globalization is a phenomenon that is fast replacing the cold war and to understand world dynamics, one should have a solid understanding of the various economic forces in action. With a basic idea of economic I picked up this book and was totally disappointed. The focus is very narrow and pertains to some selected countries. The analysis is very limited and does not consider the social backgrounds of the countries in question, when they are developing nations. The question of globalization should be treated with a balance Anyone who touts only the good side of an idea should be looked down with skepticism. Globalization is not the silver bullet. The authors back away from their responsiblity in educating the readers about the downside of this phenomena. In summary, a one sided view of the world, lacks breadth and would not contribute much to your understanding. A better book would be "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" by Thomas L Friedman.
Rating:
Summary: Three and half stars
Review: Okay, if you want a book with lots of anecdotes and quotations that try to prove that globalization is this uncontrollable process that must be accepted on its terms by individuals and governments, read Tom Friedman's "Lexus and Olive Tree" . If you want a more nuanced view, and a more critical examination of different aspects of globalization, read this book by Micklethwait and Aldridge. "Future Perfect" also has lots of anecdotes , but somehow it feels like these anecdotes fit into an intelligent discussion, rather than being part of some breathless voyage of discovery like in Friedman's book. Another difference is in coining of new terms. Friedman has a tedious list of terms like DOSKapital, glocalism etc . Micklethwait and ALdridge also coin terms. But more often they borrow refreshing terms from other authors and thinkers - and the result is much better. This also means that these authors are able to draw on the history of ideas , especially since the Enlightenment. And they do so by making these ideas extremely germane to the current discussion. For instance, one of the great examples in the book is that of John Maynard Keynes who went from being an unmitigated free-trader to a proponent of protectionism and back to free trade again. This short but brilliant biographical sketch helps illustrate how fickle the world of ideas can sometimes be, and how the pendulum can swing in the other direction. This is to remind the "inevitability" school of thought that politics and local issues matter a LOT. Technological determinism is but a small part of the story. Globalization is not irreversible. Globalization appeared irreversible earlier too, and it was reversed quite easily by protectionst barriers and World Wars. Also Micklethwait and Aldridge are too wise to indulge in the kind of exaggerated dramatization Tom Friedman indulges in. For instance, based on Intel's reluctance to enter France because of its restrictions on encryption technology, Friedman rushes to say - If France were a stock , I'd sell it. I am sure that if Micklethwait had dealt with the same question, he would have reached the more correct conclusion - yes, Intel's aversion to France is a problem for France, but not as big a problem as the technological determinists would have it. This book examines almost every aspect of globalization critically. Is electronics responsible for the volatility of short-term capital? Yes and no. Is geography irrelevant in the global world? Yes and no. Is American culture really riding roughshod over local concerns? Yes and no. Is it really a winner-take-all world? Yes and no. And so on..... Ultimately , for good understanding , you have to quantify, no matter how imprecisely. How interconnected are we really through trade? If Asia vanishes overnight, what effect will it have on the US economy? Once you start asking these questions, you reach a nuanced and mature understanding. Yes, trade as a share of GDP is rising. Yes, more globalization should mean more worldwide specialization and exchange, that is , more trade. Still there are important limits to this process, and domestic economies will remain extremely large. This book engages in this type of illuminating analysis , and does not rely on mere storytelling. The book also spends lot of time addressing the critics and the sceptics of the globalization process. This is in contrast to Tom Friedman's book where his only (facetious)answer is something like - "Okay, the electronic herd is coming, if you don't heed its demands, you'll pay a heavy price".In this book, inequality, rich nations versus poor, shortterm capital flow versus capital controls, cultural hegemony versus cultural plurlaism - these are issues that are discussed in wonderfully more sophisticated fashion. The sceptics are met head on. Intelligent scepticism is countered. Stupid scepticism is dismissed. The authors offer their own answers and solutions, but they are wise enough to discuss all the caveats. Also I haven't been able to spot any glaring mistakes in analysis in this book. As opposed to Tom Friedman's book, where he sometimes hopelessly mixes up chains of reasoning. For instance, Tom Friedman's book makes a weird connection between the winner-take-all phenomenon , and the fact that real incomes at the bottom are falling. Surely, technological change , and the resulting fall in demand for unskilled labor, is the strongest causal factor behind the falling wages. The winner-takes-all phenomenon can at best be a secondary factor. Micklethwait's book doesn't suffer from these kinds of bloopers. Ultimately a good book, a complete book as far as coverage of topics go, and also entertaining reading.This may be the best book in its genre.... After reading this book , I am now terribly eager to read their earlier book about "Witch Doctors" .
Rating:
Summary: a welcomed contribution in the pursuit of reason
Review: Reading this book is the closest experience to reading a 370-page Economist issue. It is more like a collection of essays than the ordinary book, yet the case presented is strong--take nothing for granted. It will be an interesting re-read in a few years.
Rating:
Summary: Read it before you make your own statements on globalization
Review: Since globalization is inevitably changing or affecting everyone's life and shaping our future, an open dialogue is crucial on how to ease the painful process of transformation and help people handle their new freedom and responsibility. But a dialogue will only be feasible if people stop to paint black and white and put themselves in the other parties position - on the one hand the cosmocratic elite that has no time left for politics since its members spend their busy lives in worldwide economic networks and, on the other hand, people who live in local communities and don't understand world economics. By showing both sides, A Future Perfect can help people to understand other involved parties or at least encourage them to cross limited horizons, thereby fostering objective discussions about our mutual future. The authors cite interesting examples and base their arguments on economic theories without turning to a business language that might be hard to understand for a non-MBA reader. It's not a book that will teach you all you have to know about globalization or offer the magic bullet but it allows you to understand the forces (technology, capital & management) that drive globalization and why the term globalization is a welcome scapegoat for mismanagement, regulation and corrupt politicians.
Rating:
Summary: Demystifies Globalization but too optimistic?
Review: The main point of this book - with which I fully agree - is that globalization is hardly a new phenomenon. Most, if not even more, aspects of the current globalization also existed a century ago. Indeed, you might be forgiven for thinking that the free movement of people - emigration - in the world was arguably more global then than it is now. So the process is not new but it feels new, Why?. For starters it's only been slightly over ten years since the fall of Communism and the unfettered resurgence of the free market as the unquestionably dominant economic ideology. Nontheless, the process also feels new because most of us are still reluctant to concede authority to extranational bodies and institutions while national politics still operates in self contained systems. The main point is this, and it is my principal compalint about globalization, international or global power is still mostly limited to the financial markets and multinational corporations and less to supranational bodies like the EU. meanwhile, as we are ever in search of the best product and brand there is the job insecurity that results Fiom greater foreign competition and the cultural hegemony of the United States.
Rating:
Summary: Important arguments to address in globalization
Review: This book offers some ideas that I had not seen before. For one thing, it is rare to see a book that is pro-globalization that discusses it as fragile and in need of nurturing. It is generally referred to as an overwhelming tide that either must be embraced or stopped. The book discusses the results of globalization in several industries, and it takes the economic perspective that comparative advantage will continue to operate. But it goes beyond that and discusses the loosers as well as the winners. The most interesting idea I found in the book was it's discussion of what they call "cosmocrats." An elite that is without geographic identity and more bound to others of their class than to their traditional communities. The book "Bowling Alone" documents the breakdown of traditional social networks. It is easy to see in Silicon Valley's libertarian culture the people who feel they are "self made" and do not feel a need for reciprocal relationships with their geographic communities. This belief, of course, is totally without foundation. However, the belief that a technical elite should run society has been tired in Germany, Russia and other places with horrible results. The books does not go so far as to raise that type of alarm, but the dislocation that they document is well worth considering.
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