Description
Book SynopsisIn a timely and provocative book, Philippe Legrain, formerly trade and economics correspondent for the Economist, argues that the idea and practice of globalization has been misrepresented by political activists who fail to understand its workings. Globalization, he insists, is neither a label for Americanization nor an excuse for worldwide corporate domination, and it does not eliminate local cultures or make governments irrelevant. Reassessing the pros and cons of the most controversial economic movement of our time, Mr. Legrain finds no real foundation for the alarm that globalization has generated among a variety of protest groups. His compellingly readable and balanced evaluation analyzes all the major forces in the economic equation—workers, companies, governments, national economies, industry and agriculture, patents and profits, money and finance—and makes a clear case that we are free to choose our future and to shape globalization for the benefit of all. Open World is a spirited and incisive work of socio-economic analysis and a clarion call to restore our faith in government. "At last a good book on globalization...lucid and persuasive."—Financial Times "If you have been convinced by Naomi Klein or Noreena Hertz, you owe it to yourself to read Legrain's persuasive defense."—New Statesman "One of those rare books that grabs the conventional wisdom and turns it on its head....Anyone who cares about our world and its future should read it."—Jonathan Freedland
Trade ReviewA truly fascinating book that demonstrates not only the inevitability of continued globalization but its virtues as well. * The Philadelphia Inquirer *
...A well-argued book that should serve as balance to current negative accounts. * Booklist *
In vanishingly short supply are books that are intellectually rigorous without being stuffy or inaccessible; which explain in plain words...globalization.... So in fact the world did need another book about globalization; Open World is it. * Economist *
At last a good book about globalization...lucid and persuasive. * Financial Times *
Philippe Legrain counters many predispositions, on the left and right, and sets the stage for a more useful debate. The issue, he explains, is not being for or against global trade but how to manage economic change for the greatest benefit to the most people on a global scale. -- Bill Barnhart * Chicago Tribune *
Legrain masterfully defines a middle ground between the contending forces for and against globalization.... In a rare and frank analysis...Legrain argues forcefully that the worst abuses usually associated with globalization are in fact caused by a continued reliance on self-serving policies by the strongest governments in the world.... -- Michael R. Kraig
A rapid rebuttal of the flimsy critique of anti-globalization activists. * Independent *
In this wonderfully lucid and intelligent book, Philippe Legrain takes on the many mistakes of the anti-globalizers. Globalization, he argues, is neither a label for Americanization, nor an excuse for worldwide corporate domination. It does not eliminate local cultures. Still less does it make governments irrelevant. It is a chance for mutual enrichment, not a route to global impoverishment. -- Martin Wolf
Should be required reading for politicians and voters during this election year. Explains real injustices that exist in the trading system. Provides ample evidence of how corrupt and bad governance stunts growth in poor countries. -- Mike Moore * New York Sun *
Makes a compelling case for an ever-continuing advance toward globalization. Legrain has written a truly fascinating book that demonstrates not only the inevitability of continued globalization but its virtues as well. * Green Bay Press-Gazette *
Here is a book that refreshingly argues for rather than against globalization. Legrain, writes in a style suitable for a general audience, but his work contains sufficient content to interest specialists in the field. He effectively addresses many if not all the objections of those opposed to free trade. * CHOICE *
Legrain…has written a robust defense of globalization that combines the virtues of journalism with analytical rigor. * Finance and Development *
Here is a book that refreshingly argues for rather than against globalization…. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Foreword ix Part 2 Introduction 3 Chapter 3 FREE TO CHOOSE: What kind of globalisation do we want? Part 4 WORRIED WORKERS: Why globalisation is actually the least of their worries 25 Part 5 THE POOR PROFIT: Globalisation is the only route out of poverty 47 Part 6 A BRIEF HISTORY OF GLOBALISATION: How our open world emerged 80 Part 7 BRAND NEW WORLD?: Why brands are not all-conquering beasts 118 Part 8 GIANTS WITH CLAY FEET: Why companies don't run the world 132 Part 9 THE PHANTOM MENACE: Why government is not under threat 151 Part 10 GLOBAL GOVERNMENT: How the world should (and shouldn't) be run 174 Part 11 FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Why farm trade should be freed 211 Part 12 ENDANGERED EARTH?: How globalisation can be green 236 Part 13 PATENTLY WRONG: How global patent laws harm the poor and the sick 254 Part 14 FINANCIAL FAILINGS: Why global money should be caged 270 Part 15 CULTURE CLASH: Individual freedom, not Coke, rules OK 293 Part 16 A DIFFERENT WORLD: We can build a better globalisation 320 Part 17 Notes 335 Part 18 Bibliography 348
