'This book is a dramatic wake-up call to investors. It portrays an apocalyptic future of high risk and low rewards. It is well informed and highly readable. While some may dispute the author's bleak vision, this is nevertheless required reading for anyone who wants to understand the massive changes hitting the world's economies in the coming decades.' Luke Johnson, Chairman of Channel 4 and Signature Restaurants and Columnist for The Sunday Telegraph. 'This book is a compelling recital of serious points upon which all citizens, whether professional investors or not, will have to make up their mind.' Simon Cawkwell (aka "Evil Knievil", leading British Bear). 'If you are not yet worried about the financial future you should be. The global economy isn't as healthy as you think it is. Wake Up! explains why and then tells you exactly what to do about it. A brilliantly written and very convincing financial horror story. A must read for anyone who wants to preserve their capital over the coming decade.' Merryn Somerset-Webb, Editor of MoneyWeek and Sunday Times Columnist.

Table of Contents:
Introduction – Protect Your Business and Investments 1 The time for action is now! 4 It is going to happen and within this decade 5 Part One – Global Tensions 9 Global population growth 12 An aging population in the Rich World 15 The environmental consequences of our ‘footprint’ on earth 18 Increasing divide between rich and poor 34 Part Two – The Global Economy is Under Threat 55 The general outlook 57 Economic theories 58 The pension theories 58 The pension burden 73 Warren Buffet, the Sage of Omaha, is bearish! Take heed 76 Financial instruments of mass destruction 78 United States’ economic situation 80 China the global player 102 Japan - a long deflation and decline 115 Eurosclerosis – the trouble with the old world 119 Part Three – Geopolitics 127 US foreign policy 129 Superpower contenders 136 Terrorism 151 Rogue states and weapons of mass destruction 161 Part Four – Lessons From History 175 Past wars and conflicts 178 Moving on from war – other lessons from the past 198 Examples of filed nations and empires – more lessons from a dismal history 206 Part Five – Financial Survival Guide 213 Preserving your wealth in the coming economic turmoil 215 Money – a brief history 216 The essentials 218 Diversification is key to financial longevity 232 Outstanding liabilities 239 More sophisticated/adventurous investors 240 Business owners 241 Don’t be a victim 242 Other useful information 246 Part Six – Timeframe and Summary 255 The uncertain future 257 Summary 264 Appendix A – Budgeting Template 275 Appendix B – Being Prepared for a Worst Case Scenario 277 References 281 Notes 283 Index 287