The Architecture of Collapse

The Architecture of Collapse by Mauro Guilln

Why are there so many crises in the world? Is it true that the global system is today riskier and more dangerous than in past decades? Do we have any tools at our disposal to bring these problems under control, to reduce the global system's proneness to instability? These are the tantalizing questions addressed in this book. Using a variety of demographic, economic, financial, social, and political indicators, the book demonstrates that the global system has indeed become an 'architecture of collapse' subject to a variety of shocks. An analysis of the global financial crisis of 2008, the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China, and the European sovereign debt crisis illustrates how the complexity and tight coupling of system components creates a situation of precarious stability and periodic disruption. This state of affairs can only be improved by enhancing the shock-absorbing components of the system, especially the capacity of states and governments to act, and by containing the shock-diffusing mechanisms. In particular, those related to phenomena such as trade imbalances, portfolio investment, cross-border banking, population ageing, and income and wealth inequality.

Few social scientists have the urbane vision and capacious intellect of Mauro GuillénHis dissection of the shock inducing and absorbing features of our interconnected world system vividly details the risks we presently face, but also paves the way for steps that could cushion the present volatility. * Walter W. Powell, Stanford University *
A brilliant critical engagement with different interpretations of what makes a system prone to failure. The author develops a multi-level and multi-nodal analysis that allows him to single out strategic sources of systemic instability and to demonstrate what can be done. * Saskia Sassen, Columbia University, author of Expulsions *
A fascinating perspective on the sources of instability in the global system. Professor Guillén brings to bear powerful concepts from the study of system complexity. A must read for anyone interested in financial markets, international migration, and the rise or fall of nations. * Simon Johnson, MIT Sloan School of Management and former IMF Chief Economist *
This book offers a sobering analysis of the risks facing the global economy, from population aging to financial inter-connections. The policy recommendations are important and timely. * Lady Barbara Judge, CBE *
A careful conceptual construction of complexity and coupling... [providing] new insights into why countries are likely to experience more frequent crises. Guillén skillfully navigates a multidisciplinary interrogation of the increasing fragility of the global economic system. * CHOICE *

Mauro F. Guillen is the Zandman Professor of International Management at the Wharton School, and Director of the Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania. His research has to do with globalization and its impact on patterns of organization and on the diffusion of innovations. He is the author of a dozen books and over 40 scholarly articles. He is an elected fellow of the Sociological Research Association, a former Guggenheim fellow, a recipient of the Aspen Institute's Faculty Pioneer Award, and a member of the Global Agenda Council on Emerging Multinationals at the World Economic Forum.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780198804437
ISBN 10	0198804431
Title	The Architecture of Collapse
Author	Mauro Guilln
Series	Clarendon Lectures In Management Studies
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Year published	2018-10-30
Number of pages	236
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable