📖 Overview
David Pilling is a British journalist and author who has served as the Asia Editor and Africa Editor of the Financial Times. He is best known for his coverage of economics, politics, and social issues across Asia and Africa, drawing from his extensive experience living in various global regions including Japan.
His 2014 book "Bending Adversity: Japan and the Art of Survival" examines Japan's economic and social resilience through periods of crisis and change. The work combines historical analysis with personal observations from his years as Tokyo Bureau Chief for the Financial Times.
In "The Growth Delusion: Wealth, Poverty, and the Well-Being of Nations" (2018), Pilling critiques traditional measures of economic progress like GDP and explores alternative ways to assess societal well-being. The book draws on his decades of reporting on global economics and development.
Pilling's journalism has earned multiple awards, including the UK's Foreign Reporter of the Year Award and the Society of Publishers in Asia Award for Excellence in Opinion Writing. He continues to contribute analysis on international affairs and economics through his writing and speaking engagements.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Pilling's ability to break down complex economic concepts into accessible narratives. On Goodreads, reviewers highlight his balanced reporting and use of personal anecdotes to illustrate broader trends.
"The Growth Delusion" receives specific praise for explaining GDP limitations with real-world examples. One Amazon reviewer notes: "Makes economics understandable without oversimplifying." Readers appreciate his firsthand insights from reporting in Asia and Africa.
Common criticisms include:
- Some sections become too technical for general readers
- Occasional repetition of key points
- Limited proposed solutions in "The Growth Delusion"
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- "The Growth Delusion": 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- "Bending Adversity": 3.9/5 (500+ ratings)
Amazon:
- "The Growth Delusion": 4.4/5 (150+ reviews)
- "Bending Adversity": 4.3/5 (80+ reviews)
📚 Books by David Pilling
The Growth Delusion: Wealth, Poverty, and the Well-Being of Nations (2018)
An examination of GDP as a measure of economic progress, exploring alternative metrics for societal well-being and questioning traditional definitions of growth.
Japan Through the Looking Glass (2008) A study of modern Japan's economic, political, and social transformations following extensive reporting from the country between 2002-2008.
Bending Adversity: Japan and the Art of Survival (2014) An analysis of Japan's response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, incorporating broader historical context about the nation's ability to adapt to challenges.
African Lions: Growth Traps and Opportunities for Six African Economies (2016) A detailed assessment of economic conditions and potential in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Japan Through the Looking Glass (2008) A study of modern Japan's economic, political, and social transformations following extensive reporting from the country between 2002-2008.
Bending Adversity: Japan and the Art of Survival (2014) An analysis of Japan's response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, incorporating broader historical context about the nation's ability to adapt to challenges.
African Lions: Growth Traps and Opportunities for Six African Economies (2016) A detailed assessment of economic conditions and potential in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa.
👥 Similar authors
Simon Kuper writes about economics, culture, and politics through a global lens with a focus on Asia and Europe. His analysis of international systems and power structures shares similarities with Pilling's approach to examining modern economies and societies.
Martin Wolf examines global economic systems and financial markets with emphasis on emerging economies and international trade. His work analyzes the intersection of markets, politics, and social change across different regions.
Fareed Zakaria focuses on geopolitics and the shifting balance of international power, particularly regarding Asia's rise. His analysis of global transformation and economic development parallels Pilling's coverage of Asian economies.
Michael Reid specializes in Latin American politics, economics, and social change while examining emerging market dynamics. His regional expertise and analysis of developing economies complement Pilling's work on changing global power structures.
Edward Luce writes about American decline, global power shifts, and the economic rise of Asia. His examination of international relations and economic transformation aligns with Pilling's focus on global change and development.
Martin Wolf examines global economic systems and financial markets with emphasis on emerging economies and international trade. His work analyzes the intersection of markets, politics, and social change across different regions.
Fareed Zakaria focuses on geopolitics and the shifting balance of international power, particularly regarding Asia's rise. His analysis of global transformation and economic development parallels Pilling's coverage of Asian economies.
Michael Reid specializes in Latin American politics, economics, and social change while examining emerging market dynamics. His regional expertise and analysis of developing economies complement Pilling's work on changing global power structures.
Edward Luce writes about American decline, global power shifts, and the economic rise of Asia. His examination of international relations and economic transformation aligns with Pilling's focus on global change and development.