Open World : The Truth About Globalisation

by Philippe Legrain

Globalization is one of the most controversial issues in the world today. While protestors take to the streets at international summits, it is becoming conventional wisdom that companies are taking over the world, that governments' ability to tax, spend and regulate is under threat from global competition, that globalization harms the poor and that democracy is at risk. The author of this text argues that this is not so. Aiming to demolish some of these myths, Legrain shows how, without globalization, the poor are never going to get richer. It is simply the only way, he argues, to give governments the means to combat money for schools, hospitals and welfare. Focusing on the history of world trade as well as topical issues such as the power of corporations, whether globalization is bad for poor countries, whether it threatens the environment and Americanizes indigenous cultures, Philippe Legrain shows why elected governments are still very much in control and why a more open world offers greater opportunity for everyone, rich and poor, to better their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Economics, History

Paperback

First published August 7, 2003

Reviews

[Mark Lawry · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a globalist I enjoyed it. It is however a bit dated. Published about a year after 9/11 it is a good reminder of how fast life has changed in the last 20 years. The world was continuing to get smaller with increasing speed. Legrain points out that global travel was becoming affordable to the middle class. One could then stay in touch with new friends anywhere in the world for free by email. The author was clearly unaware MySpace was coming out and was about to be replaced by Facebook. The only problem is so much exciting stuff has happened in the world since this book was published.
So many others have written about the endless implications of globalization you can't get to them all.
The decline of violence and war in "The Better Angels of Our Nature" by Pinker. The implications of exponential growth and nations and private institutions working together on development projects in "The End of Poverty" by Sachs. The every day improvements in science are found in every book written by Thomas Friedman. Open World wouldn't be the first book I'd recommend on globalization but certainly should be on the list.

[Bennett Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Globalization has been a buzz-word for a long time in our society. For some it is the shining light of progress and the key to a better world while to others it is a cruel, soulless monster that will destroy cultures and enslave millions. Legrain addresses the arguments on both sides, and reveals many of the lies and half-truths that have been paraded in the propaganda of fanatics. He also takes an insightful look at the more intelligent arguments and places them next to facts on the ground to see how they stand up. He recognizes that globalization is as much a philosophical debate as an economic one, and complex by any measure. While not the last word on the subject, Open World is an excellent examination of this global phenomenon.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read..An optimistic view of the world. Globalization shown as a good thing and not the monster under the bed for a change..

[Adrian Fanaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different parts of the world have different advantages in terms of natural resources, climate, etc. By focusing their economic activity to what they historically have done the best and most efficiently, parts of the world then would be able to trade these goods making everyone better off. This is the main thesis of what is called competitive advantage and what the author hopes free trade can exacerbate. Obviously the author, as a free trade advocate, does not mention the criticisms of free trade, one of which being that not all countries play by the same rules, for example human rights, therefore free trade doesn't provide the benefits promised in theory.

[Luke Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ive gotta quickly state that I dont necessarily hate the concept of Globalisation, this book just was worded weirdly in some parts and other sections where he went to other countries and tried to explain how good working for a big company (nike in this case) would be, because you would get plenty of hours.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting argument proposing a not-so popular review of globalisation in the mind of the more-popular anti-globalisation. like it or not, we live by the system.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read. Was afraid I might find it dated (it was published in 2002) but the information presented was good background and in many cases relevant to current events.