Has Globalization Gone Too Far? by Dani Rodrik

by Dani Rodrik

Globalization is exposing social fissures between those with the education, skills, and mobility to flourish in an unfettered world market―the apparent "winners"―and those without. These apparent "losers" are increasingly anxious about their standards of living and their precarious place in an integrated world economy. The result is severe tension between the market and broad sectors of society, with governments caught in the middle. Compounding the very real problems that need to be addressed by all involved, the knee-jerk rhetoric of both sides threatens to crowd out rational debate. From the United States to Europe to Asia, positions are hardening.Dani Rodrik brings a clear and reasoned voice to these questions. Has Globalization Gone Too Far? takes an unblinking and objective look at the benefits―and risks―of international economic integration, and criticizes mainstream economists for downplaying its dangers. It also makes a unique and persuasive case that the "winners" have as much at stake from the possible consequences of social instability as the "losers." As Rodrik points out, "... social disintegration is not a spectator sport―those on the sidelines also get splashed with mud from the field. Ultimately, the deepening of social fissures can harm all."President Clinton read the book and it provided the conceptual basis for the trade/IMF portions of his State of the Union message in January 1998.

Genres: Economics, Nonfiction, Politics, International Relations

Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

Dani Rodrik is the Rafiq Hariri Professor of International Political Economy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Mike Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodrik argues that free trade and globalization are better than the alternatives--but that we need to recognize that free trade does create winners and losers within any economy. He argues that part of government's job is to ensure this balance between open markets and free trade, while channeling some of the gains from free trade into easing the pain that free trades and open markets can cause to some workers and industries. It's an incredibly practical approach, simple and yet revolutionary.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rodrik is like an adult among children. His writing, thoughts, and analysis are top notch and I can't conceive of a more concise, honest, and thorough examination than the one Rodrik offers.

[Gordon Kwok · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good and short book (85 pages) that contributes to the debate about the overall benefit or detriment of what we know as globalization. As previously mentioned by the other reviews, this is a good primer on the causes and effects of globalization and lays the intellectual foundation for a discussion on what if anything the state should do to rein in the excesses of the free market.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book because it frames the debate surrounding globalization very well by conceding "look we know that globalization has done some good and some bad. It would be unwise to just chuck out the entire system for a "free-for-all" or various forms of protectionism. It's not really disputed the government should play some role however big or minuscule. The REAL question is to what extent the government should intervene." Overall, a great book!

[Ashish Naidu]

excellent must read

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bit outdated yet Rodrik still provides an insightful look into how trade liberalization affects different people and governments. While Rodrik accepts mainstream views that trade and capital integration is overall a good thing, he provides some compelling analysis showing how potential negative side-effects of trade liberalization can overshadow positive gains. I look forward to reading his new book.