Opening Financial Markets: Banking Politics On The Pacific Rim
This excellent book succeeds admirably in explaining why advanced industrialized nations "have moved so consistently during recent decades to open their traditionally protected national banking markets to foreign institutions." An analytical history of this important process in the United States, Japan, Canada and Australia occupies much of the volume and provides a useful record in itself. But it is as a study of the dynamics of interdependence that the book stands out. In addition, we are shown clearly and quite persuasively how the interplay of domestic and international pressures from government and business-working differently in each country-has moved international banking toward something like common standards. Mr. Pauly, who has been a banker in Canada and taught economics, writes clearly and succinctly, making his book valuable to laymen as well as specialists.
Related
Forecasts the emergence of an international order based on 'civilian powers', defined as states dependent on economic co-operation, supra-national structures, and primarily economic (rather than military) means of defending the national interest. A discussion of the potential of the FRG and Japan as such powers.
Growth is a beseiged deity. An increasing number of economists and policy- makers are becoming convinced that it is imprudent for a country to devote all its efforts toward maximizing the rates of overall growth-and wait for the benefits to trickle down to all sections of the population. Trickle- downism is thus on the wane. Developing countries are now being warned that rapid growth is liable to take too long to alleviate the miseries of the poor, and that for long periods rapid growth may indeed worsen the lot of large numbers-hence they should launch "direct attacks" on poverty.
Conventional wisdom claims that Japan's "economic miracle" stemmed from its unique model of government guidance and its revolutionary corporate management techniques. An in-depth study proves this seriously wrong. Rampant government intervention has caused more business failures than successes, and a fundamental cautiousness has led Japanese companies to ignore strategic thinking and shun risk. To pull out of its current slump, Japan must embrace competition, innovation, and bold leadership.

Sign-up for free weekly updates from ForeignAffairs.com.