This third edition of H. Stephen Gardner's classic text is the essential guide to the world's different economies and the institutions which underpin them. On the face of things, there would appear to be less variation between different national economies since the beginning of the twenty first century. With a few exceptions, market-based capitalism has become the dominant force and this has been reflected in increased international trade and the march of globalization. However, the differences between nations' economic systems are still marked an several new factors have come into play. These are fully explored in this book and include: * financial crises in Asia and Latin America * the rise of China and India as economic powers * the introduction of the Euro and enlargement of the European Union * elections in Latin AmericaAmerica, leading to a "left turn" in several countries * the ongoing situation in the Middle East The book differs from other textbooks in international economics and business by taking a region-by-region approach.
The book thus provides an up-to-the-minute guide to the major players in the world economy, couched in non-technical language that can be used by all students of economics, politics and international business.