|
Globalization can be described as the combined influences of
trade liberalization, market integration, international finance
and investment, technological change, the increasing distribution
of production across national boundaries and the emergence of
new structures of global governance.
Globalization and its impacts have profound implications for
a broad range of issues important to the funding community. These
issues range from the sustainable use of the worlds' resources
and the protection and preservation of the environment, to the
need to improve living standards, safeguard human rights, promote
and protect cultures, and ensure democratic and responsive global
governance.
While the idea of globalization has only recently captured public
attention, "globalization" has been occurring for centuries.
Indeed, current trends continue age-old interactions among societies
and historic struggles between nations for economic and cultural
primacy. Over the last few years, attention in the U.S. has been
galvanized by the "Battle in Seattle" and subsequent
demonstrations in Washington, D.C., Davos, Prague, Quebec City
and Genoa.
But if we step beyond these recent events, we see that neither
the globalization debate, nor the passions and interests that
inform it, are novel. Rather, they constitute the latest incarnation
of longstanding battles about the appropriate relationship between
the state, the market and society; acceptable levels of economic
inequality; and the appropriate ways to manage the impact of economic
change on the environment, culture and tradition.
Public debate about globalization has too often suffered from
confusion and oversimplification. Former U.K. Prime Minister Margaret
Thatcher once famously claimed about the basic economic and political
principles behind globalization, "There is No Alternative."
Such an approach encourages us to presume a single path forward;
while denying the existence of a range of alternative models of
globalization and options for organizing economic activity in
society. It conveys the impression that globalization is difficult,
complex, and impossible to navigate, manage, challenge or redirect.
The author and activist Susan George has countered Margaret Thatcher’s
"TINA" with an acronym of her own: TATA: "There
Are Thousands of Alternatives." A vital issue to consider
is that many civil society organizations perceived to be "anti-globalization"
and "anti-trade" are neither. For many, the struggle
"against" globalization is really a struggle against
the current project of globalization, and for globalization projects
based on different principles, norms and priorities than those
that inform the current model.
Some groups advocate a more socially-responsible globalization
project through reform of key institutions. Others promote special
initiatives for the poor and the environment, "fair"
trade over "free" trade, or new regulatory frameworks
and global public policies for environmental and social ends.
In addition, some groups argue against a "globalization from
above" that puts a premium on corporate profits and economic
growth and for a "globalization from below" that focuses
on sustainable communities and social justice.
Of key importance is the notion that globalization is not out
of our control. Its shape and direction are controlled by decisions
(or the lack thereof) on critical issues. Globalization has many–not
just one–possible forms. Each is likely to lead to different
social, environmental, political and economic outcomes. To the
extent that funders, NGOs and other organizations of civil society
have a vital interest in these outcomes, we must deepen our understanding
of these issues, and engage in efforts to fashion and help shape
a "globalization" that conforms to the ethics and values
that each of our institutions was created to uphold.
Links
For a history of the current globalization movement from a progressive
perspective, see Alec Dubro's piece posted at Foreign Policy In
Focus: "The
Anti-Corporate Globalization Movement: Where Foreign Policy and
Organizing Meet"
A website maintained by Emory University provides a useful overview
of some of the key issues (http://www.emory.edu/SOC/globalization/issues.html)
and some of the main debates connected with this phenomenon (http://www.emory.edu/SOC/globalization/debates.html)
Click on the Globalization button at http://www.rcci.net/index.htm
for additional articles and links.
The Policy Forum -Issues and Debates: Towards Defining Globalization
also provides a series of articles on this subject: (http://www.globalpolicy.org/globaliz/define/)
Further Reading
The Globalization Reader (Blackwell, 2000), edited by Frank Lechner
and John Boli, contains a wide variety of texts illuminating political,
economic, cultural, and individual dimensions of globalization.
The book illustrates key issues in public and scholarly debate
about globalization. This website complements the materials collected
in The Globalization Reader.
Next page > Globalization
and Grantmakers
|
