Policymaker'S Journal

DETAILS : 

• Author : Kaushik Basu
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster India
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 24 May 2021
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8195057101
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8195057108
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 750 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Policymaker’s Journal: From New Delhi to Washington D.C. is an illuminating memoir and a rare "behind-the-curtain" look at the world of high-level economic diplomacy. Authored by the world-renowned economist Kaushik Basu, the book spans the seven critical years between 2009 and 2016 when he served first as the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India and subsequently as the Chief Economist of the World Bank. Written with the curiosity of a scientist and the wit of a seasoned storyteller, Basu provides a day-to-day account of his transition from the ivory towers of academia to the chaotic corridors of power in South Block and the structured halls of Washington.

The journal captures the intensity of managing an economy during the turbulent aftermath of the global financial crisis. Basu reflects on his interactions with global leaders and Indian political giants, including Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee, while grappling with issues like inflation, corruption, and the nuances of food subsidies. What makes the book truly stand out is its human-centric approach; Basu doesn't just discuss "GDP" and "interest rates," but also the loneliness of high office, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the philosophical dilemmas faced by those who make decisions affecting billions of lives. It is an essential read for anyone interested in how the gears of global and national economies actually turn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaushik Basu is a globally celebrated economist and the Carl Marks Professor of International Studies and Professor of Economics at Cornell University. Beyond his high-profile roles at the World Bank and the Government of India, he has served as the President of the International Economic Association and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors. Known for his "Game Theory" expertise and his ability to explain complex economic concepts through the lens of human behavior, Basu is also a prolific writer whose columns and books have a rare crossover appeal among both specialists and general readers.