Includes bibliographical references and index.

Editors' introduction -- Financial crises, globalization and the new world order -- Financial crises and government regulations / Gary Moon Cheung Shiu and Kin-Ming Wong -- China and the world economic order / Wai Kee Yuen and Joe Fuk Kin Wong -- Globalization and the role of multinational corporations / Paul K.C. Shum, Raymond W.M. Yeung, Joe Fuk Kin Wong and Wai Kee Yuen -- Technological catching-up in east asia / Mei Chih Hu -- Pirate production, intellectual property and informal sector in developing economies / Simon Chien-Yuan Chen -- Political, religious and social conflicts -- Economic freedom and economic development / Kai Yin Woo and Alan Chan -- Religion, culture and global conflicts / Diana S. Kwan and Fu-Lai Tony Yu -- Social development and health : literacy, human trafficking, AIDS and drug abuse / Jia-Huey Lin and Yu-Chen Kuo -- Energy sources, environmental protection and sustainable development / Rita Yi Man Li -- Towards a better world though cooperation -- Reducing world's income inequality / Che Cheong Poon and Richard Cheung Lam -- The role of intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) / Ho-Don Yan -- Happiness and well-being / Wai Kee Yuen, Mark Greene and Wan Ling Chu.

Written by experts in their respective areas, this book is an excellent review of theories, policies and empirical evidences on important topics in global economic development. The book is both a superb teaching tool and a valuable handbook in development economics. The volume compiled 13 articles on contemporary issues influencing the world development. The book covers issues ranging from global financial crisis, the rise of China and the world economic order, multinational corporations, sweat factories and social responsibilities to Japan's nuclear meltdown and sustainable development. The book highlights the impacts of globalization on human well-being and examines the relationship between developed and developing economies in the global perspective. With cases and box illustration, this book is an essential reader for undergraduate students in economic development, international development and development economics. It is also a great reference for more advanced students, as well as a very useful guide to policymakers and practitioners interested in recent advances in global development.