In our lifetimes the majority of the world's population will join the global economy. This is not just a good thing. It is the biggest and best development in human history.
But progress toward global prosperity is not inevitable. The very magnitude of the changes already in process and those to come creates significant obstacles to their realization. The choices that each of us make will determine the extent and reach of the coming prosperity, and our part in it.
This blog, and a book I am writing by the same title, is about the coming prosperity and the opportunities it creates for each of us to make the most of humanity's moment.
I'm sorry I don't share your optimism of global prosperity. I do share Joseph Stiglitz's dim view of globalization and that,... well maybe Marx was right. The corporate multi-national and its ever diminishing balance sheet may sooner than later meet its fate. Look at what is happening in the U.S now. Bad capitalists are rewarded for their bad behavior. No one has learned anything and Wall St. continues to blow bubbles. Capitalism itself has a dim future, I believe
ReplyDeleteRightAngles,
ReplyDeleteDon't you believe that if we were less dependent on U.S. banking system for our finances and the U.S. corporations (e.g., GM) for jobs that when those organizations went to Washington with hat in hand our leaders might have been more willing to tell them to go pound sand? [Well, our leaders who are not hell bent on increasing our reliance on the public sector, that is -- which we will, someday, have once again.]
Thanks for this comment. I'd say Joe Schumpeter is looking more prescient now than ole' Karl ever did . Whatever the society--whether in Detroit or Dhaka--powerful incumbents will work to protect their position of privilege. The vibrancy of a market-based democracy depends on incumbent push-back. We've got some work to do on that front in the U.S., and energy and health care debates illustrate. But the inexorable pace of technology and innovation works against those who seek to dig in their heels, as some former executives at G.M. will now attest.
ReplyDeleteAwesome new blog and I can't wait for the book! I love the optimism and I heartily endorse it. Besides, with the internet, how can total access be far behind? With all participants actually participating, change is clearly inevitable.
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