Book Review: Edge of Chaos by Dambisa Moyo

🗳️ Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy Is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth-and How to Fix It by Dambisa Moyo

Since I am not an economist or a finance expert, I found this book an interesting introduction to the relationships between economic growth, democracy, and technology.

In the past century, humans have transitioned from living in isolated regions and countries (some such as Japan, which was isolated for a long time) to a globalized society where capital, labor, and production can flow freely between nations. Or at least some of the time. One of Dambisa’s main arguments is that globalism was never fully implemented, but instead, “a globalism lite” approach was taken. Therefore, globalism’s benefits were not fully realized for everyone but instead flowed mainly to those already well off.

She makes some fascinating points about inequality and democracy and the rise of authoritarian states such as China. China’s Belt and Road initiative does not force other countries to adopt democracy and adopt policies for human rights (or China’s governmental norms) before joining trade and other enterprises.

This book is about three years old. The last two chapters are somewhat “pie in the sky” ideas about reforms to democracy, many of which…