Author: Kavaljit Singh
Publisher: Madhyam Books
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 192
ISBN/UPC (if available): 1842772791
Description
Globalization has become the cliche of our times. The neo-liberal virus has struck almost everybody including within the ranks of the left. The proponents of neo-liberal globalisation claim that it produces accelerated, efficient development along with a deepening of democracy and human rights. However, reality shows the opposite and any rigorous examination of such arguments reveals their shallowness and inconsistency.
This book underscores the point that current economic disasters are not the price we have to pay for a transition towards the promised paradise, but on the contrary are bound to get worse as long as neo-liberal economic policies are pursued. With the help of case studies, statistical data and cogent analysis, the book debunks several myths associated with globalization processes.
REVIEWS
Questioning Globalization is needed. Kavaljit Singh has produced a most convincing book on globalization issues. I highly recommend the book to all activists including those who are already convinced that neo-liberalism must be defeated.
-Samir Amin
Director, forum tiers Monde, Senegal
Kavaljit Singh has written a brilliant and succinct series of responses to a number of basic questions which have academic and political relevance. This book will serve as a valuable text for all readers interested in the political economy of globalization.
-James Petras
Professor Emeritus, State University of New York, US
Contents
ACRONYMS
DATA NOTES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DEDICATION
INTRODUCTION
DOES FINANCIAL GLOBALIZATION STIMULATE INVESTMENT AND GROWTH?
Popular Myths about the Benefits of Financial Globalization
The Consolidation of Global Banking Industry
The Market Driven Global Banking Industry versus Imperatives of Development
Microfinance, Poverty Reduction and Women’s Empowerment
Concluding Remarks
GLOBAL RULES ON INVESTMENT: RULES FOR WHOM?
Regulation of Foreign Investment
History of Investment Rules
Investment Issues under NAFTA: Some Lessons
Investment Measures Under the Existing WTO Regime
Do Investment Agreements Lead to Increased Foreign Investment?
Benefits of Global Investment Rules: Myths and Realities
FDI is not a Panacea
Is WTO an Appropriate Forum for Investment Rules?
Investment Rules for Whom?
Concluding Remarks
DOES GLOBALIZATION PROMOTE DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS?
Globalization of Democracy
The Political Project of Globalization
Democracy Promotion US - style!
Global Crusade for Democracy or Polyarchy?
It is the Quality of Democracy, Stupid!
Globalization, Independent Economic Policy-Making and Democratization
Delinking of Economic Decision-making from Democratic Political Processes
Democratic Deficit from Local to Global Spaces
Globalization and Onslaught on Democratic Rights
Concluding Remarks
INTERNATIONAL AID, IFIS AND GOOD GOVERNANCE: WHOSE GOVERNANCE MATTERS?
Defining Governance and Good Governance
The Soaring Graph of Good Governance Agenda
From Washington Consensus to Post-Washington Consensus
IFIs and Governance Conditionalities
The Limits of Technocratic Approach
Politics Matters
Governance of IFIs: Good or Bad?
Time to Broaden the Discourse on Good Governance
Concluding Remarks
DOES GLOBALIZATION SPELL THE END OF NATION-STATE?
How Global is Globalization?
Have States become Powerless and Obsolete?
Can Globalization Survive without Nation-States?
International Institutional Arrangements and Globalization
Is Globalization, Ethnicity and Nation-State
Concluding Remarks
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX