Foundations of Economic Prosperity

By: Daniel W. Drezner, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Daniel W. Drezner

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Prosperity has transformed the world. But the story of prosperity is far from simple-or complete. These 24 lectures give you an unrivaled overview of one of the most pressing issues of our day and take you behind the headlines and into the debates to dispel some common myths about prosperity and get at deeper truths.

In this stimulating, wide-ranging course, Professor Drezner shows that achieving prosperity involves more than economics. Psychology, sociology, political science, and history also come into play. By taking this broad view, he leads you to fundamental insights about how the modern world works and an understanding of the functioning of the U.S., European, Chinese, and other major economies, as well as an appreciation for the special problems faced by underdeveloped nations.

These lectures introduce you to dozens of case histories that illustrate what works and doesn't work in the drive to increase economic growth. A superb storyteller, Professor Drezner reaches back to examples such as the policy called mercantilism that trapped European powers in growth-killing trade practices from the 16th to 18th centuries. And he anchors his analysis in the present with discussions of globalization, financial bubbles, and other economic phenomena in the news.As a start on your own road to greater prosperity, educate yourself with this unparalleled explanation of the foundations of economic prosperity.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2013 The Great Courses

I never knew this could be so interesting.

I love the great courses!!!

This has been a very interesting journey about the economies of the world, how they function and are interconnect. What makes them strong and what makes them weak. I found it very interesting that natural disasters and can have such long term effects and that the birth rate has a huge influence on the economy.

Keep those great courses coming, this is number 27 for me.

Intriguing, enlightening, and engaging

I have been interested in economics since taking a beginner college course in it several years ago, and thought this book would be a good way to pass the time while I made a cross-country trip. My wife, however, initially said she'd "rather eat a horseshoe" than listen with me.

After the first lecture, though, she was hooked and we had a lot of good discussions. Even for those advanced in the field of economics, this would be entertaining to pass the time, and for those looking to learn a bit more about it you won't be disappointed.

great overview

the author doesn't pull any punches with any economic theory or implementation, but thankfully he treats all perspectives covered just as harshly.

Interesting Blend of Economics & Political Science

This course is equal parts economics and political science. As a preliminary statement, I wish the Great Courses would recommend "prerequisites" for certain classes. For this one, the Great Courses should recommend its Economics course first as the professor assumes the listener is familiar with basic economics concepts and terms. If you are weak on the basics, take the Economics course before this one.

The general theme of the course is the spread of economic prosperity throughout the world. Each lesson focuses on a distinct topic and most lessons were fascinating and eye-opening. The topics range from the definition of economic prosperity to ways that individuals and nations can achieve prosperity. He discusses how prosperity goals often shape political positions and explains how politics and economics are interconnected. The professor gave many interesting statistics about the development of prosperity, focusing on both a historical perspective and modern events. For example, for the lesson economic bubbles, he began with the Dutch Tulip Mania of 1637 and ended with the housing bubble that triggered the 2008 Great Recession. All-in-all, this was a fascinating course and well-worth taking.

Very enjoyable

Great course. Easy to listen too and good coverage of the issues. Not too deep or too superficial

Great lectures

I enjoyed his lectures,Mr. Drezner explained many subjects that I didn’t know, very interesting and I’m glad I came a cross this free lecture.

Very interesting.

Would you listen to Foundations of Economic Prosperity again? Why?

I listened to Foundations of Economic Prosperity twice. Will listen to it again.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way Professor Drezner made economic prosperity understandable on three levels.

Which scene was your favorite?

War is a major problem for national economic prosperity.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Poor health is a major problem for individual economic prosperity.

Any additional comments?

Education is important for individuals in developed countries to increase economic prosperity.

Content is amazing, voice is annoying

The content was very eye opening and informative.

Unfortunately the narrator's voice is a little on the high and nasally side. You can get used to it, though.

Objective Précis of Economics in Modern History

Professor Drezner provides a fascinating and objective analysis of economic principles and their effects on modern history. He transforms a rather dry subject into an enthralling narrative.

Well informative with little to no substance

Professor Drezner gave a well informative lecture in this audio book. If you pay close attention to his lecture you may realize or questions if this real world facts you can take away from his lecture. If you happen to miss or ignore his disclaimer, you would be very enlightening, but don't be disappointed, he will remind you once again.

You may notice that I gave the book all 15 stars... Because he is honest about his information. Don't expect to any hard facts, only theories... And enough information to shoot yourself if not treated caution.