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Globaloney 2.0: The Crash of 2008 and the Future of Globalization
Globalization is in retreat, but history tells us that this is but a temporary reversal. Globalization will return, but in what form? More cycles of boom and bust? Or can globalization be rebuilt on a more feasible and sustainable platform? These are the compelling questions that Michael Veseth tackles in this thoroughly revised and updated edition of his award-winning book. Veseth shows how pre-crash visions of globalization were based on three powerful myths: that global finance was a stable foundation for a global economy, that global markets homogenized and Americanized the world, and that globalization itself was irresistible-impossible to shape or oppose at any level from the grassroots on up. The world economic crisis has revealed globalization's Achilles heel: the fundamental instability of global financial markets and the unsettled foundation of economic globalization generally. This realization is a necessary first step, but it alone is not enough. We must rethink the rest of globalization's myths, Veseth persuasively argues, if we want to move beyond boom and bust to a sustainable global future.
238 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2010
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May 29, 2011
I found this to be a really sensible book. Veseth takes a pragmatic view of globalization rather than an ideological one. He is in favor of globalization only if it can be sustainable for a given population. He points out ways in which globalization has been customized.
Veseth's examples of globalization were quite interesting. I learned that the goal of McDonald's is efficiency, not standardization. They adapt their menus to local needs. I learned that a large percentage of the clothes that Americans donate to charity gets sold for profit in Africa and that this is a type of business for which Africans get loans. I learned that the Slow Food movement began in Italy which is still where it's most popular. I also discovered that there is a globalized Slow Food tourism industry. I learned that while the Slow Food movement usually prefers buying local food, there are some food options that may disappear unless they manage to attract a wider group of customers beyond the local--such as the heritage turkey (as opposed to industrialized turkeys). So Slow Food is both anti-globalization and an example of globalization. I learned that the opera Aida deals with the 19th century version of globalization and that there is a musical version of Aida with music by Elton John. I'm hoping the Aida musical is on DVD.
Veseth's examples of globalization were quite interesting. I learned that the goal of McDonald's is efficiency, not standardization. They adapt their menus to local needs. I learned that a large percentage of the clothes that Americans donate to charity gets sold for profit in Africa and that this is a type of business for which Africans get loans. I learned that the Slow Food movement began in Italy which is still where it's most popular. I also discovered that there is a globalized Slow Food tourism industry. I learned that while the Slow Food movement usually prefers buying local food, there are some food options that may disappear unless they manage to attract a wider group of customers beyond the local--such as the heritage turkey (as opposed to industrialized turkeys). So Slow Food is both anti-globalization and an example of globalization. I learned that the opera Aida deals with the 19th century version of globalization and that there is a musical version of Aida with music by Elton John. I'm hoping the Aida musical is on DVD.
Displaying 1 of 1 review