"The next three decades will be filled with great promise, unprecedented dangers, and frightening uncertainty. Over the past half-decade, a barrage of political events and economic and technological transformations has shaken the world. During the next three decades, these developments will play out as a new international dynamic arises in the wake of the Cold War." "How can one understand, let alone predict, the outcome of such diverse and radical developments? In this completely revised edition of their first book, 2020 Visions, futurists Richard Carlson and Bruce Goldman provide an incisive look at the state of the world over the next thirty years." "In Fast Forward, Carlson and Goldman first portray the practical realities of the emerging global economy and then relate it to the technological forces that are accelerating it. Next, they address the huge difference in rates of population growth between developed and underdeveloped countries and its effects on worldwide political configurations. Looking ahead, Carlson and Goldman chart the future development of "mega-states" - regional trading blocs and alliances such as the European Community and NAFTA - and point to probable flashpoints in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia." "Turning their attention to the United States, they grapple with the consequences of the budget deficit, then proceed with a sector-by-sector examination of the domestic economy. Finally, they detail the impacts of economic, social, and technological developments on health care, housing, community institutions, the environment, and education, concluding with a hard look at the American political system and an assessment of how gridlock can be broken now and in the future." "Fast Forward is packed with fresh information and insights. At times controversial, always guaranteed to arouse discussion, this is a first-rate piece of futurism that will help us all to understand and prepare for the next thirty years."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved