Global Paradox

Naisbitt's economic and technological paradigm as expounded in this impressive study, will no doubt spark debates on editorial pages and TV talk shows. Naisbitt ( Megatrends ) argues that the shift from the paramount influence of governments, politicians and conglomerates to entrepreneurial economies propels us toward a global economy. ``The more the economies of the world integrate, the less important the economies of countries,'' and, he continues, ``the more important are the economic contributions of individuals and individual companies.'' Unimpressed by the Common Market (``if you're looking to invest in a solid-growth area . . . forget Europe''), claiming that while economic alliances are likely, ``the world's trends point overwhelmingly toward political independence and self rule.'' Naisbitt looks to the free market economies of Latin America and Asia (led by China) to provide the boom for the coming century. His analysis of ethical issues, tribalism and technology are superb. Naisbitt has created a masterful book of formidable theories. (Jan.)