El miracle europeu i la via asiàtica. Viatges entorn de la modernitat

This essay offers a kaleidoscopic view of the world at the end of the millenium on a journey through the spots of the European geography —from the successful north to the south that has been assimilated— and by its Asian counterpoint —China and the emerging countries—. In order to realize the chronicle of a globalized society, the experience of the traveler is added to the knowledge of the social scientist. Throughout the book, the questions about the success of Europe —both in welfare and freedom— and its comparison with the growth processes being experienced by Asian economies are underlyed. Contrary to the conservative point of view, the author —a specialist in economic matters— delegitimizes the supposed link between competitiveness and the reduction of the welfare state. The reality of the most dynamic Asian countries shows how growth is linked with the phenomena of social modernization which can be compared to those experienced in Europe. However, all these reflections do not constitute an academic discourse, but are presented to the reader in the form of a suggestive travel book.