Books in Brief

Tribes: How Race, Religion, and Identity Determine Success in the New Global Economy, by Joel Kotkin (Random House, 368 pp., $24)

CURRENT EVENTS notwithstanding, Joel Kotkin reassures us not only that ethnicity and capitalism can co-exist, but that the cultures of several migrating, trans-national “tribes” have robustly nourished free markets. Jews were the first such tribe, but the British most effectively promoted intergroup standards that fused a religious outlook emphasizing hard work, family obligations, and education with more secular, universalistic principles based on market capitalism and political pluralism. The postwar Japanese were the next global tribe to thrive on this commercial culture; Chinese and Indians may be next. Kotkin’s pro-market, pro-immigration scenario is so seductive that some conservative converts have begun “celebrating diversity” with an almost PC zeal. Not so fast. Kotkin notes only briefly the disastrous effects of massive immigration and clashing tribal solidarities in his own Southern California. And the full fury of Yugoslavia’s ethnic cleansing had not emerged when his book went to press. Tribal cultures may foster economic miracles, but ethnic antagonism can quickly turn such wonders to ashes.

FL

About the Author

Frederick Lynch

About the Author

Rich Lowry

Rich Lowry is the editor in chief of National Review.

Tribes: How Race, Religion, and Identity Determine Success in the New Global Economy, by Joel Kotkin (Random House, 368 pp., $24)

CURRENT EVENTS notwithstanding, Joel Kotkin reassures us not only that ethnicity and capitalism can co-exist, but that the cultures of several migrating, trans-national “tribes” have robustly nourished free markets. Jews were the first such tribe, but the British most effectively promoted intergroup standards that fused a religious outlook emphasizing hard work, family obligations, and education with more secular, universalistic principles based on market capitalism and political pluralism. The postwar Japanese were the next global tribe to thrive on this commercial culture; Chinese and Indians may be next. Kotkin’s pro-market, pro-immigration scenario is so seductive that some conservative converts have begun “celebrating diversity” with an almost PC zeal. Not so fast. Kotkin notes only briefly the disastrous effects of massive immigration and clashing tribal solidarities in his own Southern California. And the full fury of Yugoslavia’s ethnic cleansing had not emerged when his book went to press. Tribal cultures may foster economic miracles, but ethnic antagonism can quickly turn such wonders to ashes.