EUROPE 1992 AND BEYOND: The New World Power Game

by Michael Silva ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 1990

Silva (coauthor, Creating Excellence--not reviewed) sees consumerism as the driving force of our era, responsible for the triumph of democratic, free-market regimes throughout East Europe. Here, he forecasts how consumerism will alter the global economy in the near future. With the economic integration of Europe in 1992 (EC92), Silva foresees the world splitting into economic triads that will both interact and compete with one another. In the Western Hemisphere, he believes, the US will continue to dominate, strongly buttressed by Canada and Mexico; in Europe, the new EC92, with its population of 340 million, will develop as an even stronger competitor; and in the Pacific, Japan will lead, supported by the four tiger cubs of South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. However, Silva finds that Japan's power has already peaked, having been achieved through the sacrifices of a poorly housed, poorly serviced, and overcharged citizenry--a citizenry that will soon contain the world's highest percentage of elderly. On the other hand, the US has a powerful and resilient economy, Silva says, leading the world in scientific research; if it can eliminate its deficits and reverse the disintegration of its school system, it can, he argues, resume its lead in world economic affairs. Moreover, Silva predicts that because of a common cultural heritage, a united Europe will mesh its economic efforts with those of America: Japan will be the odd man out. Silva omits much--a full discussion of the future role of the USSR, or of Africa and the Middle East, for example--but his cheerful (for the US) prognostications will encourage most readers.

Pub Date: July 5, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Wiley

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1990

Categories: NONFICTION