Economies of the Modern World: Systems, Sectors, Indicators and Sustainable Transformation

This book offers a compelling guide to how economies work, evolve and shape the world around us. From scarcity, markets and economic systems to globalization, AI, energy, finance and sustainable development, it connects foundational economic principles with the forces transforming contemporary society. The book examines capitalism, socialism, mixed and alternative economic models; explores agriculture, industry, services, technology, energy and emerging economies; and investigates trade, conflict, peace, digitalization and the future of work. It also explains how GDP, productivity, inequality, human development and sustainability indicators reveal economic progress. Accessible, interdisciplinary and richly comparative, this book provides students, educators, researchers, policymakers and general readers with a powerful framework for understanding economic change-and the pursuit of a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.