Is Either Caused by Globalization?
There are advocates of globalization, opponents of globalization, and a wide middle which sees globalization as nearly inevitable, largely positive, and in need of sensible management. The single issue which seems to most divide these groups is the role globalization plays in causing or curing global poverty.
The advocates say globalization brings the first real chance of prosperity to the impoverished corners of the world.
Opponents say globalization is the cause of growing poverty and inequality on the planet. And those in the middle see how unbridled globalization could wreak havoc on some while simultaneously opening the doors of opportunity to others.
I can't reconcile these vastly different views. But I can give you the broad outlines of the debate so you can see where you fall. And if you already know your role in this argument, maybe this information will help you more clearly see the other side's point of view.
Below are quotes from larger documents dealing with globalization and poverty. I have chosen short excerpts and arranged them in order from the most pro-globalization to the most anti-globalization. Take a look and then stop by the Globalization Forum to tell us where you stand.
"Globalisation, then, is growth-promoting. Growth, in turn, reduces poverty. ...the liberalisation of international transactions is good for freedom and prosperity. The anti-liberal critique is wrong: marginalisation is in large part caused by not enough rather than too much globalisation." - Razeen Sally, London School of Economics
"Agreements like NAFTA and the WTO force nations to respect contracts, which encourages responsible investment and, hence, economic growth. And, you see, economic growth creates a middle class, and a middle class, eventually, demands democracy. That is the story of the 20th century and, God willing, it will be the story of the 21st." - Jonah Goldberg, Editor, National Review Online
"Personally, I do not believe that those [poor] people are victims of globalisation. Their problem is not that they are included in the global market but, in most cases, that they are excluded from it." - Kofi Annan
"I believe that the ultimate logic of globalization will eventually win out; and most, and perhaps even all nations will eventually cross the threshold of democracy and transparent market economies. However, I also believe this will be the work of generations, and that there may be substantial backsliding in the process." - James C. Bennett
"Globalisation is generating great wealth. This could be used to massively reduce poverty worldwide and to reduce global inequality. The worlds richest 225 people have a combined wealth equal to the annual income of the poorest 47 per cent of the worlds people. We must try to manage this new era, in a way which reduces these glaring inequalities and that helps to lift millions of people out of poverty." - Clare Short, UK Secretary of State for International Development
"Globalization has helped reduce poverty in a large number of developing countries but it must be harnessed better to help the worlds poorest, most marginalized countries improve the lives of their citizens, according to the report 'Globalization, Growth and Poverty: Building an Inclusive World Economy.'" - The World Bank
