On the Brink of Deglobalization

Peter A.G. van Bergeijk, Professor of International Economics and Macroeconomics, international Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University, The Hague, The Netherlands

'Peter van Bergeijk has written a fascinating book on the recent trade collapse, that in size can only be compared to the (trade) crises of the 1930s. There are at least two reasons to read the book. The first is to get a better understanding why the world has witnessed a dramatic decline of international trade. Peter van Bergeijk systematically analyzes the standard explanations that are given for this collapse, for example those put forward by the WTO, and concludes that most are wrong or unconvincing, and provides his own thought provoking explanation: risk and uncertainty. The second reason to read the book is that it provides all those interested in international trade a clear and interesting introduction to understand the world of international trade and learn a great deal along the way, and not only about the recent trade collapse.'

• Contents: Preface 1. Introduction: Setting the Stage 2. From Peak to Trough 3. The Trade Finance Confusion: Tales of Capital, Finance, Credit and Trade 4. The International Value Chain Myth 5. Protectionism is Just Around the Corner! 6. An Alternative Hypothesis: The Forgotten Role of Trade Uncertainty 7. Let Us Test the Theories 8. Too Early to Tell? References Index