The Rise and Fall of Nations

The 2008 crisis shattered the illusion of endless prosperity and political stability, prompting a reevaluation of which nations will succeed or falter in an era of slowing growth and unrest. Drawing on twenty-five years of global travel, Ruchir Sharma redefines economics as a practical art, presenting ten clear rules to identify future winners and losers in the global economy. Each rule examines real-time political, economic, and social conditions, cutting through hype and noise. For instance, he highlights how slow population growth hampers economic progress and ranks nations based on their responses. Sharma explores how cycles of political complacency and revolt drive economic fluctuations. Amid rising concerns over inequality, he reveals insights from billionaire lists that indicate which economies are at risk from extreme wealth disparities. In a world burdened by trillions in new debt, he assesses which nations are likely to withstand this pressure. His rules are grounded in extensive data gathered during his tenure at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, where he serves as Head of Emerging Markets and Chief Global Strategist. The final chapter offers a compelling world tour of potential future winners and losers, enriched by Sharma's personal anecdotes from his interactions with leaders and everyday people across the globe. This work serves as a pioneering guide to navigating our ever-changing world.