The Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy and over 360,000 other books are available for Amazon Kindle – Amazon’s new wireless reading device. Learn more

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
 
Express Checkout with PayPhrase
What's this? | Create PayPhrase
Sorry!
More Buying Choices
133 used & new from $1.00

Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
The Commanding Heights : The Battle for the World Economy
 
 
Start reading The Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don’t have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here.
 
  

The Commanding Heights : The Battle for the World Economy (Paperback)

~ (Author), Joseph Stanislaw (Author) "THE FINAL MEETING of the Allied leaders took place in July 1945, in what had once been a palace of the kaiser in the Berlin..." (more)
Key Phrases: tryst with destiny, global critique, government knowledge, United States, Soviet Union, Latin America (more...)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)

List Price: $17.00
Price: $11.87 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $5.13 (30%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Want it delivered Tuesday, November 10? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
47 new from $8.50 85 used from $1.00 1 collectible from $25.00

Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
  Kindle Edition, June 15, 2002 $9.99 -- --
  Hardcover, February 3, 1998 -- $10.27 $0.01
  Paperback, April 1, 2002 $11.87 $8.50 $1.00

Frequently Bought Together

Customers buy this book with Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy DVD ~ David Ogden Stiers

The Commanding Heights : The Battle for the World Economy + Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy
  • This item: The Commanding Heights : The Battle for the World Economy by Daniel Yergin

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

  • Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy DVD ~ David Ogden Stiers

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details


Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power

The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power

by Daniel Yergin
5.0 out of 5 stars (8)  $15.52
Econ 1100 Global Economics

Econ 1100 Global Economics

by David A. Kennett
Kabul in Winter: Life Without Peace in Afghanistan

Kabul in Winter: Life Without Peace in Afghanistan

by Ann Jones
3.9 out of 5 stars (29)  $10.20
The Invisible Cure: Why We Are Losing the Fight Against AIDS in Africa

The Invisible Cure: Why We Are Losing the Fight Against AIDS in Africa

by Helen Epstein
4.3 out of 5 stars (7)  $10.88
Russia 2010: And What It Means for the World

Russia 2010: And What It Means for the World

by Daniel Yergin
4.3 out of 5 stars (3)  $15.30
Explore similar items

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The "commanding heights," according to Pulitzer Prize-winner Daniel Yergin and international business advisor Joseph Stanislaw, are those dominant enterprises and industries that form the high economic ground in nations around the globe. In their analysis of the new world economy, The Commanding Heights: The Battle Between Government and the Marketplace That Is Remaking the Modern World, they examine "the individuals, the ideas, the conflicts, and the turning points" that are responsible. And by considering events such as the ongoing Asian monetary crisis, they suggest what the ultimate interconnection of financial markets might mean in the future. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


From Booklist

Yergin and Stanislaw's global tour d'horizon doesn't extrapolate from the discrediting of various shades of socialism that free markets are here to stay. The situation varies from country to country. The authors report on the post^-World War II performance of significant national economies and, moreover, on the politicians who, starting with Margaret Thatcher, advocated the disengagement of the state from the economy. This work complements Robert Skidelsky's Road from Serfdom (1996), a readable analysis of how the predictions of free-market economist F. A. Hayek came true. The authors supplement their research with interviews of influential economists and politicians over the past two decades, such as those who implemented "shock therapies" in ex-communist countries. The authors' judgments are reasoned and seasoned, far from podium-pounding homilies on the free market; rather, they explain why the welfare state was so appealing after the war, then how it gradually sputtered into 1970s stagflation. Renders wide-ranging acquaintance with the basic ideas of contemporary economics. Gilbert Taylor --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 512 pages
  • Publisher: Free Press; Rev Upd Su edition (April 2, 2002)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 068483569X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0684835693
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,782 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #26 in  Books > Business & Investing > Economics > Macroeconomics
    #37 in  Books > Business & Investing > Economics > Development & Growth
    #55 in  Books > Business & Investing > Economics > International

More About the Author

Daniel Yergin
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Visit Amazon's Daniel Yergin Page

Inside This Book (learn more)


What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?


Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 
(1)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 

 

Customer Reviews

52 Reviews
5 star:
 (26)
4 star:
 (14)
3 star:
 (7)
2 star:
 (5)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (52 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
60 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended!, March 13, 2001
The second half of the 20th century was marked by the ebb and flow of government influence over national and international economies. Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw characterize the balance between government and private marketplace clout as a battle for the commanding heights of the economy. They trace this fight back to the years after World War II, where they discover that capitalism had been widely discredited and governments were basking in the glow of wartime victory. With descriptions of the catalytic people and events that moved markets and policy, Yergin and Stanislaw have turned an essentially academic topic into a readable book, which is as much about economics as it is about history. As engaging as the stories are, don't assume you're in for a light read. Many business books today have plenty of sizzle, but not much steak. We at getAbstract recommend that you sink your teeth into this big, juicy T-bone of a book, a rare treat for intellectual readers searching for economic adventure and substantive history.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
43 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Interesting and Unfinished Story, August 9, 2004
By G. Grisham "grmissouri" (St. Louis, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
"The Commanding Heights" is well written and offers a very good historical overview of the economics of the middle and late 20th Century. There are wonderful historcal explanations of the rise of socialism in the west and communism in the east as well as the two grand economic schools in the west which were the products of John Maynard Keynes and Frederich Von Hayek. From this point the authors go on to give some form and explanation of globalization and the benefits and negative fallouts that are associated with it.

As a whole the book is absolutely worth reading, however keep in mind that the writers develope a certain point of view. The reader is left with the impression that after the free market revolutions of the 1980s Keynes was put to flight and it is obvious that what we need are even more open markets and that this is the solution to all the world's problems. Keep in mind that there are some goods and services that the market simply cannot deliver and like most cycles in history this debate is probably not settled.

As for their explanations on globalization they are pretty much on the mark. Obviously free markets are what is needed in most parts of the world and the move towards them will absolutely make the world a better place in the LONG run, but maybe a much less agreeable place in the short.

There are numerous supplements that I would recommend with this book, but I won't list them here. Make this a part of your journey to understand the wider world, but do not make the mistake of thinking this is the final answer. There is much more to learn and understand than this book offers. Great place to start however.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Did You Say "A Lively Economics Book"?, July 24, 2003
By JRU (PARRAMATTA, AUSTRALIA) - See all my reviews
Don't be scared, Commanding Heights, in every sense, is a lively yet informative economics book. A text for everyone, from the main street person to Milton Friedman

The writers, Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw, are both players of the business world, and Ph.D. holders (Yergin's from Cambridge University, where he was Marshall Scholar, and Stanislaw holds a Ph.D. from Edinburgh University). Furthermore, Yergin's book "The Prize" was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. One could only expect a dry, scholarly frightening work from the two, but, surprisingly, Commanding Heights is anything but intimidating.

This is a very good introduction to 20th century's economic plans and philosophies- from Gandhi's "swadeshi" to Thatcherism of the late 1970s and 80s to the 'global economy' of the 90s and present.

The book's treatment of Thatcher and Thatcherism is very good and readable, and almost enlightening. The portrayal of Margaret Thatcher is illuminating, if not flattering for the subject. The Thatcher of the book is not the evil witch of left-wing politics, but that of a hard-working, decent and uncompromising woman from a lower middle class background. Her (political) partnership with Joseph Keith and her devotion to Keith's plan is intriguing, and her David-and-Goliath battles with the 'establishment' is inspirational. ("I am the rebel head of an establishment government" she once boasted). Keynesians beware- this book might turn you into a Thatcherite!

Another highlight is the book's treatment of Latin America's economic dogmas and policies. Here, Chapter Nine of the book, it reads like a dark, compelling, political thriller authored by Vargas Llosa (Not surprisingly, Llosa's name appears in this book). Like the rest of the book, this chapter is highly fascinating and lively.

With great clarity and intelligence, this is a highly recommended 'big' book. A great companion as we face a new century. READ IT!

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Through Information
Very through in the information provided. Reading the book along with the documentary that is available online is also helpful.
Published 2 months ago by Mary Abernethy

4.0 out of 5 stars Its not over yet
This book documents the world's struggle to find an optimal economic system during the 20th century. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Thomas Grover

5.0 out of 5 stars I learned so much
This shows the links and relationships between the various economic theories and the real changes in the world. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Charlotte Ann Hu

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for my economic geography
The book got to me quickly and in perfect condition. I have to read it for my economic geography class. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Nehemie Gentillon

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent economic and geopolitical history
The struggle between governments and markets - the central theme of this book - is still very relevant a decade after it was published. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Samuel M. Brummitt

4.0 out of 5 stars The Commanding Heights : The Battle for the World Economy
A book from Dr. L's class that help to shape my belief in freedom in the marketplace. A very good historical overview of the economics of the middle and late 20th Century. Read more
Published 15 months ago by A. Fryman

5.0 out of 5 stars Landmark Book on Globalization and Economic & Trade Policy
If you want to understand globalization, this book is required reading. This book provides a full overview and history of 20th century globalization. Read more
Published 16 months ago by William J. Romanos

5.0 out of 5 stars Global Economics
Both the book DVD are excellent. It is one thing to have lived through global change, it is another thing to understand the interconnections and long-term effects. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Scott M. Kruse

5.0 out of 5 stars Capitalism won. Socialism lost.
That's the central message of this book. But to know why it happened, how it happened, and the geographic extent of this outcome, you need to read this fascinating book... Read more
Published on August 12, 2007 by Polymath-In-Training

2.0 out of 5 stars Not critical enough; offers one perspective and does not back it up
This book was rather fun to read but I am not convinced that the authors have as deep an understanding of the phenomena they are writing about as they would like the readers to... Read more
Published on November 17, 2006 by Alexander C. Zorach

Only search this product's reviews



Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   




Product Information from the Amapedia Community

Beta (What's this?)


Look for Similar Items by Category


Look for Similar Items by Subject

 

Feedback

If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.
 Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
Is there any other feedback you would like to provide?

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone.


Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.