Javier Blas Livres

Shortlisted for the Financial Times & McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award An Economist Book of the Year The modern world is built on commodities - from the oil that fuels our cars to the metals that power our smartphones. We rarely stop to consider where they have come from. But we should. The World for Sale lifts the lid on one of the least scrutinized corners of the world economy: the billionaire commodity traders who buy, hoard, and sell the earth's resources. It is the story of how a handful of swashbuckling businessmen became indispensable cogs in global markets, enabling an enormous expansion in international trade and connecting resource-rich countries - no matter how corrupt or war-torn - with the world's financial centers. The result is an eye-opening tour through the wildest frontiers of the global economy, as well as a revelatory guide to how capitalism really works.

Meet the traders who supply the world with oil, metal, and food, regardless of the conditions in their source countries. This eye-opening exploration reveals the powerful and secretive world of billionaire commodity traders who buy, hoard, and sell the earth's resources. The narrative uncovers how a select group of businessmen became vital players in global markets, facilitating immense growth in international trade and linking resource-rich nations—often plagued by corruption or conflict—with financial hubs worldwide. It also highlights how some traders gained significant political influence, aiding figures like Saddam Hussein in oil sales, supporting the Libyan rebels during the Arab Spring, and channeling funds to Vladimir Putin’s regime despite sanctions. This account offers a revealing look into the often-overlooked dynamics of the global economy and capitalism itself. Acclaimed as a Financial Times Best Read of 2021, the work shines a light on the crucial yet underappreciated role of commodity traders in finance and geopolitics. It presents a compelling narrative about a sector where civil wars and unstable regimes often become mere business opportunities, making for both an intriguing and alarming read.