Open World: The Truth About Globalization

by Philippe Legrain

In a timely and provocative book, Philippe Legrain, formerly trade and economics correspondent for the Economist , argues that the idea and practice of globalization has been misrepresented by political activists who fail to understand its workings. Globalization, he insists, is neither a label for Americanization nor an excuse for worldwide corporate domination, and it does not eliminate local cultures or make governments irrelevant. Reassessing the pros and cons of the most controversial economic movement of our time, Mr. Legrain finds no real foundation for the alarm that globalization has generated among a variety of protest groups. His compellingly readable and balanced evaluation analyzes all the major forces in the economic equation―workers, companies, governments, national economies, industry and agriculture, patents and profits, money and finance―and makes a clear case that we are free to choose our future and to shape globalization for the benefit of all. Open World is a spirited and incisive work of socio-economic analysis and a clarion call to restore our faith in government.

"At last a good book on globalization...lucid and persuasive."― Financial Times

"If you have been convinced by Naomi Klein or Noreena Hertz, you owe it to yourself to read Legrain's persuasive defense."― New Statesman

"One of those rare books that grabs the conventional wisdom and turns it on its head....Anyone who cares about our world and its future should read it."―Jonathan Freedland

Genres: Nonfiction, Economics, History

384 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2003

Reviews

[Mark Lawry · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a globalist I enjoyed it. It is however a bit dated. Published about a year after 9/11 it is a good reminder of how fast life has changed in the last 20 years. The world was continuing to get smaller with increasing speed. Legrain points out that global travel was becoming affordable to the middle class. One could then stay in touch with new friends anywhere in the world for free by email. The author was clearly unaware MySpace was coming out and was about to be replaced by Facebook. The only problem is so much exciting stuff has happened in the world since this book was published.
So many others have written about the endless implications of globalization you can't get to them all.
The decline of violence and war in "The Better Angels of Our Nature" by Pinker. The implications of exponential growth and nations and private institutions working together on development projects in "The End of Poverty" by Sachs. The every day improvements in science are found in every book written by Thomas Friedman. Open World wouldn't be the first book I'd recommend on globalization but certainly should be on the list.

[Bennett Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Globalization has been a buzz-word for a long time in our society. For some it is the shining light of progress and the key to a better world while to others it is a cruel, soulless monster that will destroy cultures and enslave millions. Legrain addresses the arguments on both sides, and reveals many of the lies and half-truths that have been paraded in the propaganda of fanatics. He also takes an insightful look at the more intelligent arguments and places them next to facts on the ground to see how they stand up. He recognizes that globalization is as much a philosophical debate as an economic one, and complex by any measure. While not the last word on the subject, Open World is an excellent examination of this global phenomenon.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read..An optimistic view of the world. Globalization shown as a good thing and not the monster under the bed for a change..

[Adrian Fanaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different parts of the world have different advantages in terms of natural resources, climate, etc. By focusing their economic activity to what they historically have done the best and most efficiently, parts of the world then would be able to trade these goods making everyone better off. This is the main thesis of what is called competitive advantage and what the author hopes free trade can exacerbate. Obviously the author, as a free trade advocate, does not mention the criticisms of free trade, one of which being that not all countries play by the same rules, for example human rights, therefore free trade doesn't provide the benefits promised in theory.

[Luke Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ive gotta quickly state that I dont necessarily hate the concept of Globalisation, this book just was worded weirdly in some parts and other sections where he went to other countries and tried to explain how good working for a big company (nike in this case) would be, because you would get plenty of hours.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting argument proposing a not-so popular review of globalisation in the mind of the more-popular anti-globalisation. like it or not, we live by the system.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read. Was afraid I might find it dated (it was published in 2002) but the information presented was good background and in many cases relevant to current events.