Policy Press

Dollar Dominance

Why It Rules the Global Economy and How to Challenge It

By Photis Lysandrou

Published

Feb 1, 2025

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529249705

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 1, 2025

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529249712

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Dollar Dominance

In a world shaken by crises, why does the dollar continue to dominate? In this book, Photis Lysandrou explores the interaction between global instability and the enduring strength of the dollar. Drawing on examples from the 2008 Great Financial Crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the author reveals how uncertainty and instability in global trade, production and politics drives investors towards the safety of the dollar, reinforcing its dominance over other currencies.

With clear and insightful analysis, Lysandrou reveals the true global financial foundations of dollar dominance, and lays out what it would take for other currencies such as the Euro to challenge its position.

Photis Lysandrou is Research Professor in Global Political Economy at the City Political Economy Research Centre (CITYPERC) at City, University of London. His current research interests are in the areas of financialisation, shadow banking and the economics of inequality.

Introduction

Part 1: The Foundations of Dollar Dominance

Chapter 1. The Gravitational Force of the Dollar

Chapter 2. Resisting the Dollar’s Gravitational Force: The Euro’s Rationale Revisited

Part 2: Crises and the Consolidation of Dollar Dominance

Chapter 3. The Financial Crisis of 2007–8

Chapter 4. The COVID Pandemic and Ukraine Crises

Chapter 5. Why BRICS or China Will Not Challenge Dollar Dominance

Part 3: Confronting Dollar Dominance

Chapter 6. How the Euro Can Rival the Dollar

Chapter 7. Why the Euro Must Rival the Dollar