A comprehensive history, this work covers all geographical regions, considers the effects of the major countries on each other, and describes the important global developments in economic history during the latter half of the 20th century. The book analyzes institutional issues, such as monetary policy and the multinational company as well as broader worldwide matters. The impact of policies on economic life is considered, including discussions of: the threat to the environment caused by economic change; advances in technology as they relate to growth; fluctuations in standards of living in all parts of the world; and the Communist and Far Eastern economies. The text seeks to debate current global and national policy-making and the effects of greater economic integration on inflation and employment.