Open World
In the Introduction to his book Open World: The Truth About Globalization,author Philippe Legrain writes, "Awarding the 2008 Olympics to Beijing wasrichly symbolic...a recognition of how far China had come," (3). Legraincontinues to note that major multinationals like Coca-Cola, Visa,McDonalds, and Kodak look forward to being able to market to the humongousChinese market. Using this example as a opening for his wide-ranging bookabout the implications of globalization, Legrain posits that globalizationis ripe with potential for the international community, for which it offerseconomic, political, and social benefits. Moreover, Legrain critiques whathe believes are common misperceptions about the history and meaning ofglobalization, which he states is "not shorthand for the way the world istoday," (10). On these premises, Legrain presents clear and logicalarguments in favor of the economic, political, and social trends thataccompany globalization, pointing out that its critics are eithermisinformed or unduly alarmist. The author also demonstrates thatglobalization is a force that can be molded and transformed to suit theneeds of the times and cultures it affects. Open World contains thirteen
This section serves to place globalization in perspective andshows that world trade is no new phenomenon but rather one that has simplyexpanded considerably since World Wars One and Two. Although corporations have more influence ongovernments than they once did, Legrain states, "Freeing trade curbsdomestic giants by exposing them to foreign competition," (142). The author's premises and conclusionsoffer optimistic but reasonable advice on how to properly control and guidethe powerful political, economic, and cultural forces of a global market. Chapter Three presents a "brief history of globalization, which tracesthe economic trends and developments over the course of the past severalcenturies. Here, the author takes analmost philosophical approach toward globalization, critiquing theobsession with branding and logos. In Chapter Two, Legrain continues to glorify globalization by statingthat it is the most effective means to ending poverty. However, Legrain's personalbiases again bleed through his writing, for he clearly sides against thoseconcerned about the long-term ramifications of altering the genes of thefood we eat as well as injecting farm animals with hormones. Interestingly, Legrain's pro-globalization,pro-free trade stance is mitigated by his promotion of welfare and othersocial services. Legrain also addressesthe threat of international terrorism in light of the open market andillustrates that free trade did not and will not suffer as a result ofSeptember 11. According to Legrain, globalization is a"phantom menace," and that government corruption does not result from freetrade. The author clearly explainsthe fundamental instability of market economies and shows why globalizationcan help a world economy thrive. Becauseof the natural instability of the market, these suggestions do not offer apanacea, but they do help paint a picture of a viable world economy. 5billion in higher taxes and food prices (214). In fact, the author notes that "global recession poses abigger threat to globalization than terrorism does," (117).
Common topics in this essay:
Chapter Eleven,
Workers Legrain,
Chapter Nine,
Wipro Indian,
Third World,
Moreover Legrain,
Chapter Legrain,
Chapter Eight,
Legrain Freeing,
Chapter American,
free trade,
asserts globalization,
legrain asserts,
legrain notes,
third world,
legrain asserts globalization,
billions poor,
economic political social,
legrain continues,
world trade,
curbs domestic giants,
corrupt governments,
domestic giants,
trade billions poor,
billions poor people,
|
Acceptance Essays
