Intelligent Governance for the 21st Century: A Middle Way Between West and East by Nathan Gardels, Nicolas Berggruen

Intelligent Governance for the 21st Century: A Middle Way Between West and East, by Nathan Gardels, is a timely book which looks at the current global situation and our urgent need to seek a new path in both public and private governance of our international economy. Drawing upon decades of experience in international business and politics, the author presents an intimate examination of the challenges of the twenty-first century and argues that the West should look to the East for a different approach to governance.

Gardels' book is divided into three main sections. The first section addresses the argument that the West has found itself unable to fully address the global financial crisis due to an outdated form of governance. Gardels stresses that the West should look east for a more nuanced and responsive approach. This, for example, includes taking into account the need for both public and private investment. The second section focuses on the reality of a complex global network that is constantly changing. He shows how traditional approaches to economic crisis management and economic governance will prove outdated in the long-term. Finally, the third section in the book proposes a new form of governance which combines the best of East and West and allows for creative and adaptive action.

Gardels' book contains significant ideas and real-world examples aimed at providing a balanced view of East and West and how they can come together to develop a successful approach to global economic governance. Gardels contends that rather than attempting to create a unified model of economic decision-making, governments should strive for a ‘meta-model’ – a framework which allows for diverse points of view and encourages collaboration and deliberation about the best course of action. He argues that such models can form the basis for democratic consensus-building and make global economic governance more responsive and effective.

In addition to its focus on the ways in which East and West must collaborate, Gardels’ book also offers insights into the implications of a growing networked economy. He argues that the need for increased transparency and accountability in both public and private action becomes more pressing in our interconnected global society. Additionally, he explores the potential for a more open and dynamic form of economic governance, which would allow governments and citizens to come together to form meaningful partnerships and create effective and sustainable imbalances in resources and power.

At its heart Intelligent Governance for the 21st Century is a work which points to the need for a truly international perspective in developing economic policy. Gardels’ insightful assessment of the current global economic situation makes this book an invaluable resource for policy-makers and economists. He provides a comprehensive overview of the global economy and establishes an approach to governance which merges the best of East and West, allowing for a creative and dynamic form of economic action. Thus, Intelligent Governance for the 21st Century is a book which looks beyond the traditional policies of the West and offers an intelligent, thought-provoking argument for a new direction in economic governance.