The Globalist’s Top Ten Books of 2004

In some ways, terrorism and the role of the United States in the world still shaped many a book on global issues in 2004. But beyond that, many of the most interesting books covered other ground, including the way the environment and regional futures shape our common destiny. Here are our top 10 books of 2004.

1.

Stephen Glain: Mullahs, Merchants, and Militants How have economic decay and political malaise created tragic consequences in the Arab world? [ Feature ]

2.

Thomas P.M. Barnett: The Pentagon’s New Map Will the United States be able to improve the Middle East’s position in the global economy? [ Feature 1 ] [ Feature 2 ]

3.

Emmanuel Todd: After the Empire What accounts for America’s deteriorating global authority? [ Feature 1 ] [ Feature 2 ]

4.

Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy: The Siberian Curse How have Soviet planning and physical geography shaped Russia’s economy? [ Feature 1 ] [ Feature 2 ]

5.

Elizabeth C. Economy: The River Runs Black Can China’s economic growth be reconciled with sound environmental policy? [ Feature 1 ] [ Feature 2 ] [ Feature 3 ]

6.

Martin Wolf: Why Globalization Works Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf describes how globalization works — despite the efforts of the World Bank. [ Feature ]

7.

L. Ronald Scheman: Greater America What are the key factors in determining the future of geopolitics and power in Latin America? [ Feature 1 ] [ Feature 3 ] [ Feature 2 ] [ Feature 4 ]

8.

Sebastian Mallaby: The World’s Banker Have outside activists undermined World Bank development projects? [ Feature ]

9.

Victoria Abbott Riccardi: Untangling My Chopsticks Victoria Abbott Riccardi describes her year in Kyoto, engulfed by the tastes and customs of Japan. [ Feature ]

10.

Howard Markel: When Germs Travel Is eagerness to participate in the global economy a danger to countries’ health — or an incentive to fight disease? [ Feature ]