Hazel J. Johnson – författare

In the future, some regions of the world will probably experience vigorous economic growth, while others struggle to survive. Unless the United States recognizes these probabilities and the implications of them, standards of living in this country will continue to decline. This is the warning Hazel Johnson gives in this book--an analysis of global economic trends and capital flows that reveals strong regional patterns of development. The book was written when the appeal of globalization was almost irresistible: communism was being overthrown and global market economies seemed inevitable. But Johnson detected factors that would prevent globalization, for example: a closed Japanese society that focused on winning the economic war, a Germany that would overextend itself to achieve reunification, and a Latin America whose problems would be felt more by the United States than by any other developed country. Analysts are only now beginning to face these realities. Most notably, Lester Thurow (Head to Head, 1992) has acknowledged all these factors and concludes (subsequent to the publication of Johnson's book) that regional trading blocks will, in fact, emerge.Johnson's volume is unique in viewing the world in its entirety rather than treating one country or region at a time, and in presenting events in a historical context to explain current and probable future economic relationships among countries. The work is compelling because it dares to examine the economic behavior of countries with a critical rather than a diplomatic eye. It should be of interest to scholars and policymakers in international finance and trade, as well as those studying development and international economics.

Global Positioning for Financial Services is a broad-based examination of the changes occurring in financial services. The forces of privatization and securitization are but two of the factors that are changing the way financial services are delivered. Technology has enabled direct sale of securities to ultimate investors in ways that have not been possible until now. Regulators must adjust their perceptions of risk and reward to maintain safe systems. Astute industry participants must have a clear understanding of these dynamics in order to develop effective strategies for the future.

Trade Agreements and Financial Services examines the cross-border agreements that have historically been focused on the trade of merchandise goods. Increasingly, emphasis is being placed on the provision of cross-border services. Notable among these are financial services. There is a clear link between economic development and the availability of financial products. Moreover, the financial services sector is, itself, a major industry that is fueling growth. The conditions under which financial services are offered in an international context are the subject of debate in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Trade Agreements and Financial Services examines the cross-border agreements that have historically been focused on the trade of merchandise goods. Increasingly, emphasis is being placed on the provision of cross-border services. Notable among these are financial services. There is a clear link between economic development and the availability of financial products. Moreover, the financial services sector is, itself, a major industry that is fueling growth. The conditions under which financial services are offered in an international context are the subject of debate in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.