Synopses & Reviews
The issue of globalization-its promises, and more often, its shortcomings-commands worldwide attention. Recent events illuminate the dark side of globalization and underscore the urgent need to redesign its basic principles. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 are one in a series of crisis that have shaken the foundations of the global order. The rise of strong anti-globalization movements around the world, the deteriorating global economy, including America's own economic turbulence, and an ever-growing distrust of powerful multinational corporations in the face of catastrophic mismanagement, symbolized by Enron and WorldCom, dramatize the failure of globalization. For a safe and economically secure future, Charles Derber argues in
People Before Profit we must de-bunk the myths about our current form of corporate-led globalization and re-orient ourselves on a more democratic path.
Popular misconceptions, what Derber terms the "globalization mystique," present globalization as new, inevitable, self-propelling, and win-win for rich and poor countries alike. By challenging each of these beliefs, Derber reveals a dynamic system that is constantly being invented and re-invented-and can be again. Globalization does not have to be a "race to the bottom" where the poverty gap grows ever wider and half the world lives on less than two dollars a day. In fact, Derber's hopeful and detailed vision of reform, including practical suggestions for every concerned citizen, shows that globalization has the potential to be an authentic agent of democracy, social justice, and economic stability. The challenges are great; the new globalization will require deep and difficult changes, as well as a new politics that shifts power away from the elite. But the seeds have already been planted and the new globalization is beginning to emerge.
In a moment rich with opportunity, People Before Profit is an essential contribution to the most important debate of our times, written in clear, straight-forward prose for everyone seeking a better world.
Charles Derber, a noted social critic, is a professor of sociology at Boston College. He is the author of eight books, including Corporation Nation and The Wilding of America.
The issue of globalizationits promises, and more often, its shortcomingscommands worldwide attention. Recent events illuminate the dark side of globalization and underscore the urgent need to redesign its basic principles. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 are one in a series of crisis that have shaken the foundations of the global order. The rise of strong anti-globalization movements around the world, the deteriorating global economy, including America's own economic turbulence, and an ever-growing distrust of powerful multinational corporations in the face of catastrophic mismanagement, symbolized by Enron and WorldCom, dramatize the failure of globalization. For a safe and economically secure future, Charles Derber argues in People Before Profit we must de-bunk the myths about our current form of corporate-led globalization and re-orient ourselves on a more democratic path.
Popular misconceptions, what Derber terms the "globalization mystique," present globalization as new, inevitable, self-propelling, and win-win for rich and poor countries alike. By challenging each of these beliefs, Derber reveals a dynamic system that is constantly being invented and re-inventedand can be again. Globalization does not have to be a "race to the bottom" where the poverty gap grows ever wider and half the world lives on less than two dollars a day. In fact, Derber's hopeful and detailed vision of reform, including practical suggestions for every concerned citizen, shows that globalization has the potential to be an authentic agent of democracy, social justice, and economic stability. The challenges are great; the new globalization will require deep and difficult changes, as well as a new politics that shifts power away from the elite. But the seeds have already been planted and the new globalization is beginning to emerge. In a moment rich with opportunity, People Before Profit is an essential contribution to the most important debate of our times, written in clear, straight-forward prose for everyone seeking a better world.
"The 'basic principle' of this ambitious study is the task of 'reinventing globalization' by 'reinventing democracy.' Interweaving personal experiences from around the world with careful analysis of global economic, political, and cultural trends, Derber makes a powerful case for the urgency of this task, and outlines constructive approaches to pursuing it successfully. A provocative and stimulating work, directed to issues of the highest significance."Noam Chomsky
"The 'basic principle' of this ambitious study is the task of 'reinventing globalization' by 'reinventing democracy.' Interweaving personal experiences from around the world with careful analysis of global economic, political, and cultural trends, Derber makes a powerful case for the urgency of this task, and outlines constructive approaches to pursuing it successfully. A provocative and stimulating work, directed to issues of the highest significance."Noam Chomsky
"This is a remarkable book that deconstructs the myths of the global economy, transforming it in the process from an icon cage into a source of real hope based on the decency, activism, and solidarity of people across borders . . . Derber's book provides us with a popular guide that brings alive the most complex issues, without ever losing its eye on the activism that creates change and hope."Charles Kernaghan, director of the National Labor Committee
"In People Before Profit, Charles Derber helps vault the globalization debates to the next level. He not only identifies the system's failures but also puts forward his own detailed plan for a more democratic brand of globalization. Derber's blueprint for global democracy is controversial (at times I found myself screaming at the page), and that's precisely why this book is so important. With any luck, it will help kick start a much-needed debate on the principles that should unite our world."Naomi Klein, author of No Logo and Fences and Windows
"'To globalize or not to globalize?' Is that the question? Not according to Charles Derber's refreshing take on this age-old question. In the post-9/11 world, Derber convincingly argues that we must create a different global vision than what the corporations have offered, one that puts democracy at its core. As examples of corporate malfeasance sprout up like mushroom after a heavy rain, Derber's message could not be more timely. People Before Profit is a must-read and his 'What to Do Right Now' should be pasted on the walls of every home, school, and business in the country."Juliet Schor, author of The Overworked American
"A must read . . . This book is about the urgent need to re-invent globalization to create a safe, democratic, and economically secure world. Charles Derber expertly argues that bringing about a democratic cure for the ills of globalization is the most important challenge in the world today."Craig Kielburger, Founder of Free the Children
"Professor Derber's impressive analysis is an important contribution to the ongoing worldwide debate about globalization and its effects. He provides thoughtful ways in which globalization can help to close the gap between rich and poor, encourage democracy, and achieve greater freedom for v
Review
"Vault[s] the globalization debates to the next level. . . Derber's blueprint for global democracy is controversial (at times I found myself screaming at the page), and that's precisely why this book is so important." --Naomi Klein, author of
No Logo"A provocative and stimulating work directed to issues of the highest signficance." --Noam Chomsky
"For all those who need or want to know about the fast-congealing domination by global corporations and their indentured governments, People Before Profit is the book to read." --Ralph Nader
"Professor Derber's impressive analysis is an important contribution to the ongoing worldwide debate about globalization and its effects." --Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Synopsis
The issue of globalization-its promises, and more often, its shortcomings-commands worldwide attention. Recent events illuminate the dark side of globalization and underscore the urgent need to redesign its basic principles. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 are one in a series of crisis that have shaken the foundations of the global order. The rise of strong anti-globalization movements around the world, the deteriorating global economy, including America's own economic turbulence, and an ever-growing distrust of powerful multinational corporations in the face of catastrophic mismanagement, symbolized by Enron and WorldCom, dramatize the failure of globalization. For a safe and economically secure future, Charles Derber argues in
People Before Profit we must de-bunk the myths about our current form of corporate-led globalization and re-orient ourselves on a more democratic path.
Popular misconceptions, what Derber terms the "globalization mystique," present globalization as new, inevitable, self-propelling, and win-win for rich and poor countries alike. By challenging each of these beliefs, Derber reveals a dynamic system that is constantly being invented and re-invented-and can be again. Globalization does not have to be a "race to the bottom" where the poverty gap grows ever wider and half the world lives on less than two dollars a day. In fact, Derber's hopeful and detailed vision of reform, including practical suggestions for every concerned citizen, shows that globalization has the potential to be an authentic agent of democracy, social justice, and economic stability. The challenges are great; the new globalization will require deep and difficult changes, as well as a new politics that shifts power away from the elite. But the seeds have already been planted and the new globalization is beginning to emerge.
In a moment rich with opportunity, People Before Profit is an essential contribution to the most important debate of our times, written in clear, straight-forward prose for everyone seeking a better world.
Synopsis
Has globalization failed us? The promises of economic stability, increased prosperity, and cultural cooperation seem more like a pipe dream than ever before. But rather than stop globalization, Charles Derber challenges us to rewrite its rules in order to fulfill its potential as an agent of democracy and global harmony. In this provocative and optimistic work, one of the first examinations of globalization after September 11, 2001, Derber argues that only a democratic cure--begun at the grassroots level--will end global terror and economic insecurity.
People Before Profit provides an essential understanding of our world economy as well as a practical guide for building a stable and more equitable global community.
About the Author
Charles Derber, a noted social critic, is a Professor of Sociology at Boston College. He is the author of eight books including
Corporation Nation and
The Wilding of America.