Truth, Errors and Lies: Politics and Economics in a Volatile World

An approach to the challenges of globalism that rejects simplistic solutions, from “one of the most acute observers of the international economy” (Francis Fukuyama, New York Times-bestselling author of Identity).

Deploying a novel mix of scientific evaluation and personal observation, Grzegorz W. Kolodko, one of the world’s leading authorities on economics and development policy, begins Truth, Errors, and Lies with a brief discussion of misinformation and its perpetuation in economics and politics. He criticizes the simplification of complex economic and social issues and investigates the link between developments in the global economy and cultural change, scientific discoveries, and political fluctuations. Kolodko, who was a key architect of Poland’s successful reforms, offers a provocative study of globalization and the possibility of coming out ahead in an era of worldwide interdependence. Deeply critical of neoliberalism, which sought to transfer economic control exclusively to the private sector, Kolodko explores the virtues of social-economic development and the new rules of the economic game. He concludes with a look at our near and distant future, questioning whether we have a say in its making. “One of the heavyweight economic thinkers of post-communist Europe.”—The Economist Nominated for the Michael Harrington Book Award

© 2011 Columbia University Press (Ebook): 9780231521567

Release date

Ebook: 17 January 2011