Predatory Globalization

Trends towards economic globalization are changing the world in fundamental respects. The author puts forward a strong case for challenging some central features of the current version of globalization, asking whether it is possible to restore the compassionate and responsible state given present global conditions. Many of the ideas currently guiding the formation of global policy are pushing states in the opposite direction, toward cruelty and irresponsibility.
The author asks whether it is possible to restore the compassionate and responsible state given present global conditions. Many of the ideas currently guiding the formation of global policy are pushing states in the opposite direction, towards cruelty and irresponsibility. This applies especially with regard to the social agenda and protection of the global commons.

The book contends that the fate of humanity depends crucially on how this role of the state unfolds in the decades ahead. In essence, the question revolves around whether globalization can be transformed so as to serve better the interests of the peoples of the world.

The global economic crisis in the late 1990s along with the leftward swing in important countries raises hopes that a more humane globalization is a timely political project. The analysis in this book offers a framework and vision for just such an undertaking, and especially for the re–empowerment of the state so that it may better serve the wellbeing of its citizens, and, indeed, of humanity overall.

Trends towards economic globalization are changing the world in fundamental respects. The author puts forward a strong case for challenging some central features of the current version of globalization, asking whether it is possible to restore the compassionate and responsible state given present global conditions. Many of the ideas currently guiding the formation of global policy are pushing states in the opposite direction, toward cruelty and irresponsibility.
The author asks whether it is possible to restore the compassionate and responsible state given present global conditions. Many of the ideas currently guiding the formation of global policy are pushing states in the opposite direction, towards cruelty and irresponsibility. This applies especially with regard to the social agenda and protection of the global commons.

The book contends that the fate of humanity depends crucially on how this role of the state unfolds in the decades ahead. In essence, the question revolves around whether globalization can be transformed so as to serve better the interests of the peoples of the world.

The global economic crisis in the late 1990s along with the leftward swing in important countries raises hopes that a more humane globalization is a timely political project. The analysis in this book offers a framework and vision for just such an undertaking, and especially for the re–empowerment of the state so that it may better serve the wellbeing of its citizens, and, indeed, of humanity overall.

Introduction. Part I. Diagnosing the Challenge:.
1. Democratizing, Internationalizing, and Globalizing: A Collage of Blurred Images.
2. Co–opting the Sovereign State.
3. On the Political Economy of World Order.
4. A Regional Approach to World Order.
Part II: Substantive Dimensions:.
5. The Illegitimacy of the Non–Proliferation Regime.
6. The Quest for Human Rights.
7. The Outlook for UN Reform: Necessary but Impossible.
Part III: New Directions:.
8. Resisting "Globalization–from–Above" through "Globalization–from–Below".
9. Global Civil Society: Perspectives, Initiatives, Movements.
10. Recasting Citizenship.
11. Toward Normative Renewal.
Notes.
Index.

′This beautifully written book, drawing on a rich experience of scholarship and engagement, offers us a new language with which to comprehend the uncharted terrain of the contemporary world. Terms like "predatory globalization" or "normative democracy" among others brilliantly encapsulate some of the key issues of our time – the current ways of human suffering as well as the new hopes for human emancipation.′ Mary Kaldor, Global Civil Society Programme, London School of Economics


′Falk′s Predatory Globalization is a most insightful turn–of–the–century intellectual contribution. It defines clearly the humane underpinnings of a vibrant world community that allows and encourages much needed ideological mobility and cross–fertilization. Anticipating the 21st century trends, Falk proves once again he is at the vanguard of raising our collective consciousness.′ Clovis Maksoud, Director, Center for the Global South, American University

This is a very well written and refreshing text focusing on a realistic analysis of the most pressing issues, and the focus on normative aspects of international relations theory away from a world of pretence realism is very much welcome.′ The Ethics Conflict Research Digest

′A welcome contribution to the voluminous literature on globalization.′ The Journal of Politics

Richard Falk is Albert G. Milbank Professor of International Law and Practice at Princeton University.