Network Origins of the Global Economy: East vs. West in a Complex Systems Perspective delves into the complexities of global economic shifts through the lens of network analysis. Authored by Hilton L. Root, this groundbreaking work challenges traditional models that often fail to accurately predict and understand social and economic transformations. The book examines how current events and future risks can be better understood by viewing economies as open, dynamic networks rather than static entities defined by regimes or regions.

Root’s approach focuses on the interactions between various agents—individuals, groups, nations, and policy interventions—in order to explore historical transitions in economic development and globalization. Utilizing insights from complexity science, he analyzes often-overlooked variables throughout European and Chinese history, providing a fresh perspective on China’s unique trajectory and its growing influence as both a competitor and counterexample to Western models.

Published by Cambridge University Press on March 19, 2020, with the ISBN-13: 978-1108803441, this book offers a novel framework for understanding global economic dynamics in an increasingly interconnected world. By redefining our approach to studying economies as complex networks, Root provides valuable insights for policymakers and scholars seeking to navigate the challenges of the modern economy.