In Search of an Equitable, Sustainable Globalization: The Bittersweet Dilemma

(Hardback)

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A candid, thoughtful, revealing examination of the two sides of globalization--the good and the bad--and a compendium of ideas to help its potential beneficiaries, the emerging nations of the world, realize its promise. Often described as "Darwinism on steroids," globalization is a force to be reckoned with. One of its goals, to improve the economic status of less developed areas of the world, is noble enough, but left unchecked, globalization is not always fair and equitable, neither in its practices nor their outcomes. One result: the gap between rich and poor nations is widening. Samli argues that Third World countries must learn to take advantage of globalization, but they must learn ways to protect themselves against its darker forces as well. He presents what he calls a process of countermarginalization, included in which are such strategies and tactics as partnering, networking, and entrepreneurship. He explains how emerging countries of the world can become proactive to be self-protective. They must develop their own ways of growth to counter the risk of their own marginalization. Smali proves that by taking such steps to guard themselves, they can raise themselves up and become forceful participants in their own right. They can participate better in the brighter side of the globalization process: its offer of economic and social well being. Arguing that the role of entrepreneurship in all this is essential and must be nurtured, Samli brings important new ideas to people who may have no special understanding of the globalization process, or both sides of it. He also provides a thoughtful source of discussion and greater learning for those who are already experienced in the nuances of the debate but who are beginning to have doubts. For them his book is guaranteed to raise once again the big questions but from a different perspective--questions that, despite efforts by some to ignore them, just won't go away.

Author Bio

A. COSKUN SAMLI is Research Professor of Marketing and International Business in the Department of Management, University of North Florida.