Recommended by: WiseSuit Staff

Opening with the handling of the Mexican economic crisis, which took place throughout the 1990's, Robert Rubin discusses in an intriguing and effective manner the economic choices that had to be made during the Presidency of Bill Clinton and how the federal economic situation has expressed itself since that time. 

"In important ways, the deficit had become a symbol of the government's inability to manage its own affairs - and of our society's inability to cope with economic challenges more generally, such as out global competitiveness, then much in question... Some have argued that the productivity surge of the 1990's was merely a relayed reaction to the new digital technologies that arrived in the 1980's.  But that view overlooks what happened in Europe and Japan, where the same access to new technology failed to result in a similar sustained productivity surge, probably because the businesses didn't invest in technology to the same degree." In an Uncertain World: Tough Choices from Wall Street to Washington

While Rubin briefly discusses his upbringing and personal philosophies in terms of economics, the book carries with it excitement through a number of situations, including Rubin's economic and financially based strategy sessions with President Bill Clinton, his breakfast meetings with Alan Greenspan and his travels through various countries, including South America, Asia and Russia. 

Rubin was very important in creating the economic expansion that took place during the presidency of Bill Clinton in the mid-to-late 1990's. Despite the considerable difficulty that many readers may feel when reading about economics and finance, In an Uncertain World is written in such an enjoyable and simplistic manner that many people can enjoy the book as an exciting insight into the economic aspects of the presidency of Bill Clinton, as well as an expression of the economic explosion that was experienced during this time. 

In addition to the economic situation presented throughout his time as the U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Robert Rubin also discusses in his book the career that he had on Wall Street when he worked for Goldman Sachs. Once a political outsider, Rubin discusses his take on policymaking inside the White House after he took over as the Secretary of Treasury. He may have once been as confused as the rest of us when it comes to federal financing, but he believes that the Clinton Administration was able to successfully balance the risks taken by President Clinton given the information available at the time of his presidency and this reasoning is discussed throughout this great book.

Reviews:

"As Secretary of the Treasury, Bob Rubin ranked with the best. This drama-packed account of his years on the job should be read by all who are interested in what happens when politics and economics intersect." - Warren Buffett

"Robert Rubin served with distinction as Secretary of Treasury during a period of turbulence in international financial markets. He has now written an engrossing and thoughtful book about his experiences. Even those who do not agree with some of his conclusions, will find this important reading." - Henry Kissinger

"Bob Rubin takes us behind the closed doors and into the nerve center of Wall Street, the White House and the Treasury Department during a historic time in the global economy. It's a fascinating and highly instructive tale told by a man who is uniquely qualified to guide us through these monumental political and economic challenges." -Tom Brokaw

About the Author:

Sworn in as the seventieth United States Secretary of Treasury in January of 1995 with the President Clinton administration, Robert Rubin was a key player in one of the longest and most impressive economic expansions performed in the history of the United States of America.  Prior to his work as the U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Rubin was the director of the White House National Economic Council and a co-senior partner at Goldman Sachs. Presently, Robert Rubin lives in New York with his wife and two sons, and is employed as a director of Citigroup.

Categories:  Leadership ,  Biography,  Corporate Finance