The Economic Government of the World: 1933-2023

Charting the Turbulent History of Global Economics

From the ashes of the Great Depression emerged a new global economic order led by Western powers. In his expansive work, historian Martin Daunton unravels the complex story of how institutions and individuals have shaped international trade and finance over the last century.

Daunton guides readers through economic nationalism in the 1930s, the rise of Western liberalism during the Cold War, the crises of the 1970s, and the ascendance of free market ideologies in the decades since. Across this tumultuous timeline, he exposes how imperialist countries have long pulled the strings of globalization to serve their own interests rather than those of poorer nations.

Today, as the world grapples with the fallout of COVID-19, threats of inflation, climate change, and more, Daunton argues for reforms to the global economic architecture. He contends that sustainable, equitable growth requires new multilateral institutions and governance that distributes power more equally between the Global North and South.

Both sweeping and incisive, this landmark history illuminates the policies and politics that have shaped modern international economics. Daunton ultimately provides a thought-provoking analysis of how we arrived at our current moment of crisis – and a vision for building a more just global order going forward.

Captivating in scope yet grounded in specifics, Charting the Turbulent History of Global Economics is an essential read for understanding the forces that have - and will continue to - transform the worldwide economy.