The Anti-Globalization Movement

Q. In your book, you cite the fact that over the past 40 years, as economic globalization led by multinational corporations (MNCs) has skyrocketed, the gap between the richest and the poorest in the world has widened considerably. This is just one factor that has led to ?a rising tide of antiglobalization . . . that combines concerns about environmental degradation, inequity, human rights, cultural imperialism, and loss of local autonomy.? Do you believe that the antiglobalization movement will grow considerably stronger unless MNCs change their practices to address these concerns?

Yes. I do. And when I say the antiglobalization movement I?m speaking not primarily about? the demonstrations by the rich kids in the United States and Europe, though that’s what gets all the press. I think the more significant aspect of the antiglobalization movement is in the developing world where you see a rising backlash against capitalism. You’ve seen two Latin American governments overthrown in the last five years, largely by indigenous people’s movements, who are staunch anti-capitalists. And essentially what allows them to rise to power is the fact that they bring the prospect for something other than the globalization agenda as its been currently conceived. Because increasingly, the people in those countries don?t see globalization as serving their interests. And the same kind of thing is happening in Asia and India.

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