The Kimchi Matters: Global Business and Local Politics in a Crisis-Driven World

As an American living in a third world country, I greatly appreciated this book.Utilizing poignant examples, the authors delve into what make a country and its systems successful or dysfunctional. Many factors are considered: politics, corruption, social change, stability, leadership, public unrest, bureaucracy, social institutions, government intervention, etc. And all is placed in the context of rapid globalization.Most notable is the revolutionary insight that, no matter what other factors are involved, a country will not grow prosperous in the absence of good institutions. The rules, both overt and non-visible, by which we play are very important.This book helped me to understand my own situation. It helped me to recognize the world's interconnectedness and the fragility of world economics. Despite America's shortcomings, it helped me to appreciate the moral fabric of America's institutions. And, finally, the book deepened my feeling that America bears great responsibilty in the world community, as a leader, a guide, and an example for others.Foreign policy-makers and international businessmen should pay careful attention to this book's lessons.

This is an awesome book! Anyone interested in the nuances of globalization and the diverse experiences of big business in the world economy should read The Kimchi Matters. I feel like I have a whole new understanding of the interaction between global and local, and between the political and economic issues which currently define our world. In addition to being so informative, The Kimchi Matters is an extremely smooth read--Zonis and co. provide several page-turning case studies that combine great storytelling and sharp analysis. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in international relations, business, or the culture clashes caused by rampant globalization. There are many choices in this genre, but believe me, The Kimchi Matters is far ahead of the pack.

This was an informative and quick read, giving substantive background of the political histories/evolutions of a huge variety of countries from across the political, social, and economic spectrum. It's one of those books that helps you develop an effective mental model of thinking about globalization (from a local perspective). The academic theory underlying the anecdotes is logical and concise. The only criticism I would have is that the book might be too non-technical...would have appreciated a bit more concrete data to back up the theories. All in all, however, very enlightening!

Professor Zonis has been able to transfer into this book all his wisdom he gives his students in every class in the University of Chicago. It is a fun and very interesting reading and it allows the reader to learn more about the difficult international interconnections of every action a company or country does. Great reading