Since the imposition of free market policies in the 1980s, globalization has come to represent an ideological battle between those who favor economic growth and deregulation through the growing power of multinational corporations, versus those who prefer a more sustainable and democratic approach to international development, socio-economic justice, and the securing of basic human rights and needs.
Rather than economic growth, waste is the most serious threat to the environment.
In switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the global economy could grow larger and sustainably feed an increasing population - without destroying the earth's ecosystems, argues Garry Lipow.
Historically both state and market control of the economy has resulted in the same phenomenon: an impoverished underclass and a new class of
the super rich. Only a truly shared economy controlled by civil society can secure universal wealth and prosperity, writes Phillip Blond.
The global financial crisis has forced the high priests of efficient market theory to question their unfaltering belief in the rationality of markets and investors. This
shift could be the beginning of a significant change in the paradigms underpinning the wider economc system, writes Gillian Tett.
Apologists for the current economic system continue to occupy Wonderland, because
it is only in Wonderland that environmental problems can be solved by a blind adherence to economic growth,
argue Richard York, Brett Clark,and John Bellamy Foster.
As ideas aimed at perfecting globalization turn into policies, progressives must boldly aspire once again to paradigms of social organization that unabashedly aim for equality. Ideas are not enough, says Walden Bello.
Politicians suggest that
economic violence by the poor can be characterised as a ‘security risk’. Wouldn’t
it be better to address the causes of the ‘spurious economics’ that create
violence in the first place? By Nitasha Kaul.
Self-reliant local economies are better suited
to withstand crisis and are more responsive to the needs of local
communities. So why are politicians so resistant to the growing sentiment in favour of protectionist policies, asks Pranav Bihari.