In an Uncertain World

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Robert Rubin was sworn in as the seventieth U.S. Secretary of the Treasury in January 1995, immediately engaging in an emergency meeting with President Bill Clinton regarding the financial crisis in Mexico. This moment encapsulated Rubin’s approach—formalities aside, he prioritized addressing critical issues. His career spans from his early days in Goldman Sachs' arbitrage department to his role as chairman of Citigroup, marking him as a pivotal figure in the American financial landscape. He played a significant role during the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. In his work, Rubin provides insightful analysis of key events in recent American history and offers a consistent framework for understanding markets and navigating global economic risks. He emphasizes a philosophy of probabilistic thinking, which has shaped his decisions in both business and government. This perspective is evident in his interactions with prominent figures like President Clinton, Alan Greenspan, and others, as he tackled financial crises in Asia, Russia, and Brazil, as well as challenges such as the federal government shutdown and the post-September 11 landscape. With a candid voice and keen attention to detail, Rubin examines the complexities of life in the White House and the broader economic and political landscape, blending memoir, economic analysis, and personal insights from his extensive experience in Washington and Wall Street.