This wide-ranging discussion takes in globalisation, the causes of the Great Depression (and the likelihood of future recurrences), the Marshall Plan and post-war European recovery, growth in the 1950s and 60s followed by the problems of the 70s, and the strengths and weaknesses of the current international financial system, among other subjects. It provides a stimulating introduction to factors underlying important events in the history of the twentieth century and prospects for the century we have just entered.