It's difficult to fault a book compiled from other author's articles, except maybe how the book is organized. But Globalization and the Challenges of the New Century : A Reader is not only useful, but topical. The discussion starts with Huntington's now oft-and-overquoted essay, "The Clash of Civilizations?", and moves to Barber and Kaplan. Later, some other luminaries appear, but the strength of the collection is the depth of arguments by not-so famous authors. Also, the volume breaks globalization into it's political, economic, technological, and cultural aspects, something that seemingly perplexes most people, because their arguments pass too quickly and easily between all of them. There is so much here to read, but, perhaps, some more information for more reading would be useful. This book provides a useful start for those looking for an interesting and rigorous look at what can become an empty slogan at dinner-parties and coffee breaks.

The Economist described the book this way and I agree completely, "If you want to catch up on some of the best articles written about globalisation since the topic became fashionable several years ago, this reader is the place to start."