Edge of Chaos

Why Democracy Is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth-and How to Fix It

By: Dambisa Moyo

Narrated by: Pamala Tyson

From an internationally acclaimed economist, a provocative call to jump-start economic growth by aggressively overhauling liberal democracy

Around the world, people who are angry at stagnant wages and growing inequality have rebelled against established governments and turned to political extremes. Liberal democracy, history's greatest engine of growth, now struggles to overcome unprecedented economic headwinds -- from aging populations to scarce resources to unsustainable debt burdens. Hobbled by short-term thinking and ideological dogma, democracies risk falling prey to nationalism and protectionism that will deliver declining living standards.

In Edge of Chaos, Dambisa Moyo shows why economic growth is essential to global stability, and why liberal democracies are failing to produce it today. Rather than turning away from democracy, she argues, we must fundamentally reform it. Edge of Chaos presents a radical blueprint for change in order to galvanize growth and ensure the survival of democracy in the twenty-first century.

Critic reviews

"It is studded with factoids and research findings that readers will no doubt find interesting...The best part is her warning that the free-market capitalism that has lifted millions of people out of poverty in the past half-century may be facing severe tests."—Wall Street Journal

"Edge of Chaos represents an important warning that America's global clout and the global order itself are 'under threat.'"—National Review

"These ideas arrive as something of a relief..."—Financial Times

"The author's program of remedy is provocative and of much interest to advocates of growth. Moyo clearly identifies systemic problems that the democracies-or what's left of them-would do well to address."—Kirkus Reviews

"Moyo's familiarity with the dismal science radiates through her provocative new work, Edge of Chaos as she argues compellingly that the global failure to achieve sustained, inclusive growth underpins the rampant political turmoil."—New York Times Book Review

informative

I enjoyed the book. It was well-structured and clearly defined the problems faced by this countryand the entire planet. While I couldn't agree with all the proposed solutions, I appreciate the courage and thoughtfulness required to propose the solutions. It was a great initial step in starting the conversations in which we must ultimately engage.

brighten piece of work

I loved it. It should be a must read for all politicians, and government officials. Job well done!!!

Edge of Chaos

I enjoyed the whole book. I would recommend it to all interested in Africa and other undeveloped countries. My rating comes from the truth uncovered in its pages.

Great story, impeccable facts, unrealizable sugges

Ms. Moyo's detailed synopsis of the current state of international economic disorder is a chilling wake up warning nudging us back to reality. I found Edge of Chaos really two books - book one a warning and book two (her last chapter) her required prescriptions for reform and survival.

I had a hard time accepting a number of Ms. Moyo's prescriptions, which appear to focus solely on economic processes while ignoring the sociological issues driving real human beings and societies. Banging home the point that today being a liberal democracy doesn't guarantee economic stability nor well being, ignores the part that being slaves to economic theory is equally unacceptable and likely unrealizable. This is particularly so in the United States, even in the shadow of America's long torturous history where inhumane treatment of human beings ruled the day...

I too am extremely concerned by the voting patterns of so-called mature liberal democracies, but I also in expressing my preferences have the right to "not vote" as well as the right to select "none of the above." Term limits, IMHO is an anathema to the very democratic principle of one person one vote and ultimately caves in to societal dangers inherent in short term decision and policy making generated by the monitization of politics.

A prescient and brilliant book

This book will be ignored at our peril. It’s states the need for major reforms to our democracy in order to save it. Some of the changes will be controversial but all should be discussed. If her data is correct we are in for a long hard time

Excellent perspectives from Dr Moyo Dambisa

Well written, deserves 5 star rating.

The analysis on Gini-Coefficient, Illiberal Democracy, GDP, Productivity, Capital Flows and Deteriorating Real Wages we’re well articulated.

Fascinating eye opening book

Must read to understand a better way forward for democracy and insure a future to next generations .

Incredible insights to rethinking democracy

Dambisa offers some incredible insights into rethinking democracy that could help improve economies across the globe.

Underwhelming

The body of the work reads like a college student's paper or cut past from a couple of years of articles from the economist. She presents random factoids, quotes and assertions and draws conclusions which are subjective opinions at best. It goes down hill from there with her recommendations which for each one there are equally strong arguments why they would not work or would not have the desired impact. "Insist politicians have a career outside of politics" she claims will help fix the problem - two best examples of that are Trump and George W!. Make voting compulsory like Australia but also like the Congo - a great example. Pay politicians bonus for targets like growing GDP - you'd be paying Trump a bonus for his tax cuts! Growth solves the problem - we can't grow infinitum!

She either glosses over or ignores the key issues of; culture, intergenerational and religious wars, overpopulation, inequality and the biggest issue of all - no matter how much growth there is there are an increasing number of losers and if you open the flood gates for free movement of people which she prefers then there will only be more disaffected voters in the west.

Rather than waste valuable time reading/listening to this I would suggest Francis Fukuyama' Political Order and Political Decay and Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty First Century for some impressive scholarship and an understanding of the causes for our demise and potential solutions.

Not that impressive honestly

Hard to find any new angles nor unique prospective to today's issue. Recommend Grave New World by Stephen King instead.