Abstract

In clear and concise terms, Robert Went demythologises globalization. He refutes the myth that globalization is an entirely new phenomenon and that it is an unavoidable process. While recognising that it poses serious strategic challenges to the Left, he argues that these challenges are not insurmountable and that there is hope for advocating real change.

Went puts globalization into its historical perspective. He shows that there is no option of returning to the postwar mode of expansion, but that the current trend must be altered. If not, he warns of greater social inequality, levelling of wages, worsening of working conditions, life-threatening ecological deterioration and a pervasive dictatorship of the market. To combat this rampant globalization, Went challenges the Left to rebuild its own movement and offer up a credible alternative.

From reviews of the Dutch and German edition

‘Every category of reader will find in Went an author who understands the art of writing very clearly and accessibly for a broad public’. Het Financiele Dagblad (Amsterdam), 14 March 1996 (The Dutch 'Financial Times')

‘This sober analysis of the globalization phenomenon is very accessible and smoothly written’. Financieel-Economische Tijd (Brussels), 20 April 1996

'(Went's) greatest merit is that he proves on the one hand that globalization is not storming ahead as fast as many would have us believe; and on the other hand he shows that great societal changes are taking place’. Onze Wereld (Amsterdam), June 1996 (one of the main Dutch Third World solidarity magazines).
'A concise, nicely written summary of the sorts of radical views that motivated the World Trade Organisation protests in Seattle'
CHOICE