A provocative analysis, this book looks at the economic forces as well as the political and social factors in the world's gross imbalance of wealth. The economist Robin Marris argues that in the 21st century we can and must end poverty. Taking into account questions of population growth and the threat to the environment, he presents a plan of action for the future. The wealthiest fifth of the developed world's population is fifty times richer than the Third World's poorest fifth, but this can be changed with rapid industrial growth in the Third World and development aid, and with proper management of the economy in the developed world.