The Dark Side of Globalization

"This remarkably fine book constitutes the elegant bridge between academic theorizing about globalization and the inspired anecdotage of Thomas Friedman." Tom Farer, University Professor and past Dean, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver "Indispensable reading for anyone who wants to understand the full range of contents and discontents caused by globalization." Thomas G. Weiss, Director, Ralph Bunche Institute of International Studies, CUNY; and past president, International Studies Association Seen by some as a desirable and irreversible engine of prosperity and progress, globalization is resisted by others as the soft underbelly of a corporate imperialism that plunders and profiteers in the global marketplace. Globalization has brought many benefits, including the reduction of poverty in several countries. But it also has a dark side: the unleashing of negative forces as a result of the compression of time and space made possible by modern technology. Examples include the transnational flows of terrorism, drug and human trafficking, organized crime, money laundering, and global pandemics. How do these various expressions of "uncivil society" manifest themselves? How do they exploit the opportunities offered by globalization? How can governments, international organizations and civil society deal with the problem? From arms trafficking in West Africa through armed insurgencies in South Asia and the upsurge of jihad in the age of globalization, this book examines the challenges that the dark forces of globalization pose to the international system and the responses they have triggered. Written largely by authors from developing countries, the book's goal is to help maximize the beneficial consequences of globalization while muting its baleful effects.