ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the divergent perspectives and identify their intersection. It analyses the images of the global economy implicit in the experts' arguments: the experts often appear to be talking about two global economies. Academics and policy makers are attempting to explain the uncanny behavior of the global economy, and make it more responsive to those who presently serve it. The "restless adolescent" image of the global economy is apparent in David Landes' version of history. Harley Shaiken's assessment presents a more neutral assessment than Richard Barnet's and a harsher one than Landes'. The "technocratic" assumptions support the "adolescent" image of the global economy. The technocratic proponent might counter that the humanistic view is naive to the larger issues of economic and social development. According to humanistic assumptions, however, society faces a series of cycles and that often includes severe restructuring, rather than mere transitions that the technocrats observe.
