The book provides a systematic and easily understandable introduction to economics, equipping the reader with the economic knowledge necessary to understand national and global economic processes and relationships. The key theories that explain the economic actions of market participants are discussed. Practical analyses of economic decision-making processes are contrasted with these models. These processes are often influenced more by expectations and socio-political interests than many economists realize. Additionally, the book addresses the main national and global goals that a future-oriented economic policy aims to achieve in a globalized world. The challenges of reaching these goals are also discussed.