3 Review(s)

The book, Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, written by Dan Senor and Saul Singer, is about Israel’s phenomenal growth, i.e., how such a small nation surrounded by hostile neighbors was able to reach a high level of prosperity. Summary Of The Book Hardly 60-years-old with a population of just 7.1 million, Israel has made such tremendous economic growth that have got even bigger developed nations wondering. In Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, the authors examine what made this achievement possible for a small nation, despite being surrounded by enemies and at the brink of war. Israel does not have many natural resources, but the number of Israeli start-up companies that the country produces outnumber those by much larger nations like Canada, China, India, UK, Korea, and Japan - which are far more stable and peaceful nations. This is considered as an economic miracle by many. The country’s culture, which is driven by adverse circumstances, is examined by the authors with the help of knowledgeable foreign policy experts. The Israeli culture has a flattened hierarchy, which promotes informality. All these start-ups are supported by the policies of the government, which believes that innovation is the key. Many countries with diverse economies are trying to emulate the “Israel effect”. Senor and Singer note that there are lessons to be learned by foreign entrepreneurs from Israel. With countries like USA struggling to rebuild their own ailing economies, the authors stress that this is the right time to look for ideas from this resilient nation. While dismissing any views like 'unitary Jewishness' or personal talents as the reason for their success, the authors attribute most of Israel’s economic achievements to mandatory military service and immigration. The authors find that compulsory military service for the youth has helped them to grow themselves as successful entrepreneurs with various skills. Israeli soldiers have minimum of guidance from top, their rules are liberal, hierarchy is minimum, and are encouraged to take independent decisions. Israeli immigrants from all over the world have managed to start from scratch and re-build their lives. The authors conclude that both Israel and the rest of the world have much to learn from each other. Policy makers and journalists from many countries find this book a useful guide for promoting entrepreneurship in their countries and have recommended the same to their governments. About The Authors Dan Senor, one of the authors of the book, is well versed with the affairs of the Middle East and has served as a foreign policy expert in the government of USA.  Dan Senor writes analytical pieces for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Washington Post. Daniel Senor was also the chief spokesman for the coalition authority in Iraq. Currently, he is a consultant for venture capital firms. The author has studied in Israel. Senor is married and he lives in New York with his family. He has two sons. Saul Singer is a columnist and editorial board editor for Jerusalem Post. He had also served as a foreign policy advisor to the US Government. Singer has written a book, Confronting Jihad: Israel’s Struggle and the World After 9/11. Saul Singer is married, and he lives in Jerusalem with his family. He has three daughters. Both the authors are recognized authorities on political matters of West Asia.