Global Covenant: The Social Democratic Alternative to the Washington Consensus

by David Held

In this pathbreaking book, one of the world’s leading analysts of globalization and global governance confronts the failures of international politics in the aftermath of 9/11 and the war against Iraq. He argues that there were and are alternatives to the way the western coalitions responded to the profound challenges of mass terrorism and political violence - alternatives which can better address the roots of these challenges and deliver political and social justice.
In order to grasp this alternative, the changing structure of the global order has to be understood. To this end, the book is divided into three sections: economics, politics and law. In each section contemporary trends are analyzed, problems confronted, and a series of detailed policies set out. The aim of the book is to focus on feasible and effective policy choices which could lead to a progressive transformation of global affairs. Against the ideologues who are wholly in favour or hostile to globalization, this book shows how globalization can be better regulated to deliver human development, equitable economic change, democracy and justice.
This is an original book that will appeal to all those - students, policy makers, and the general reader - who confront questions about globalization and global governance. It is an optimistic text that holds that progressive political change is still within our grasp.
To read the transcript of an interview with the author on the Global Covenant in democratiya, please click here .

Genres: Economics, Politics

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2004

Reviews

[Tom Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and well-informed argument for a more socially democratic global system of international politics. It argues that the current system, with a preference for neo-liberalism within a state-based system, is creating a moral gap and is lacking the global decision-making we need in a changing world context. A great and easy-to-read book that I would recommend for any politics student or anyone who suspects the current system could be improved!