The Case Against the Global Economy

This is a powerful and cogently argued book that not only offers a radical critique of current assumptions and models of globalisation but makes a case for a turn towards localisation as a way of reversing some of the damaging trends. The basic premise of the book is that the current path of development is not only unsustainable, but is incapable of even delivering on its promises. How can the same development processes that have already further impoverished people and devastated the planet lead to beneficial outcomes except for the elite in charge – and even the elite are on the same ship, albeit at the First Class end. The basic flaw in the paradigm is that 'a system that feeds on itself cannot keep eating forever'. The main world agencies all subscribe to this flawed paradigm and are busy imposing it on developing countries by means of structural adjustment programmes (SAPs). The three parts of the book examine the engines of globalisation, its impacts, and steps towards relocalisation. This is essential reading for those who wish to understand what is happening and why, and to argue for a new direction.