Globalization from Below

Rating:
Summary: There are alternatives to the status quo
Review: Although globalization is an inevitable force thoughout modernity we can have a voice in how globalization is enacted. As citizens of the global community, we do not have to sit back and be content with the pathway of globalization that is defined by such global organizations as the WTO and the IMF in addition to transnational corporations and the American government.

"Globalization from Below" investigates the emergence of the anti-globalization social movement that targets the negative actions and consequences of various institutions and corporations in their effort to increase their profits and power. Unlike other social movements the anti-globalization movement is unique because it consists of a multitude of social agendas ranging anywhere from environmental to labor rights causes. Although they have differential agendas together they strive for the same objective of returning to a democracy of business decisions made by institutions that don't favor the status of the wealthy minority. The true promises of globalization never became realized. Instead social problems are increasingly becoming more intensified. The disparity between the rich and poor grows larger and the environment is under constant attack. Due to the decline of national power many previous hard-fought laws and regulations protecting consumers and workers are being overruled by global treaties and trade agreements. The influence of global capital and unregulated markets puts both humans and the planet in danger. In the midst of the rapid acceleration of globalization within the past century basic human rights often take a back seat.

This book is a good introduction to the anti-globalization social movement that continues to gain more momentum as individuals become increasingly aware of the dire and drastic consequences of the current trajectory of globalization. It's a short read but well worth it.

Rating:
Summary: extremely repetitive
Review: Though I really like the points brought out by this book, and Ithink they are very valid, they are continually repeated throughout. I think just having 10 pages or less would have given the same message. After reading the book front to back, I don't think all the pages needed to be wasted repeating and reiterating what was already very clear in the first chapter.