Seeing the Elephant (PDF)

Thanks to globalization, more countries depend on each other for
trade, capital, and ideas than ever before. Yet politically, these
countries are drifting further apart. In Seeing the
Elephant, author and emerging markets expert Peter Marber
describes how increasing economic integration and the rise of new
actors is drastically altering the geopolitical landscape, and
offers insights on how the US can maintain a leading role in the
21st century and beyond.

While America remains the single most important economy today,
rising economic powerhouses -- China, Russia, India, Brazil
and others -- bring a diverse set of interests to the table
that the US cannot afford to ignore, Marber explains. Moreover,
globalization has created thousands of non-state actors -
corporations, banks, hedge funds, activists and even terrorists
- who bring their own concerns to bear on the world
system.

In the era of globalization, America's success hinges on the
success of its neighbors, too. Yet from its invasion of Iraq to its
disregard of major treaties -- some recent US choices have
shown little regard for these new players. As the lines between
economic, defense, environmental, immigration, and energy policy
become increasingly blurred, having a holistic and coherent
approach to cross-border challenges is essential. Yet the forums
and institutions that once coordinated these relationships -
the UN, World Bank and the G7-- are losing relevance and no
longer adequately represent the world's expanded power roster. To
remain vital, Marber believes all our multilateral institutions
will require fresh ideas and revamping.

Seeing the Elephant demystifies globalization, and
analyzes the megatrends and interconnections of the 21st century.
With bold suggestions on how America reassert its historic
leadership in the new global arena, Seeing the Elephant
should be required reading for policy makers, businessmen and
informed citizens alike.