Worlds Apart: Civil Society and the Battle for Ethical Globalization / Edition 1

by John D. Clark

Overview

Globalization is one of the most politically charged issues of our time. This book aims to bridge the divide between its advocates and its critics, but, rather than trying to find middle ground, the author looks at globalization through the lens of poor people and poor countries, arguing for a different management of global changes that ensures everyone a share in its opportunities. His is a call for ethical globalization. An influential and globalizing civil society has a great opportunity to be a critical player - but this could be a brief window. Its advocacy largely pillories deficiencies in the system instead of promoting viable alternatives. The author seeks to change this by applying his experience from both sides of the ideological divide - working with NGOs, governments and the World Bank - to analyse the system's faults and suggest a fresh framework for transforming global relations and redressing injustices.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781565491670
Publisher:	Kumarian Press, Inc.
Publication date:	04/28/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

John D. Clark has worked with development NGOs, the World Bank, universities, and as and adviser to governments on development and civil society issues. His career has focused on poverty reduction and bridging the gap between grassroots organizations and official agencies. He is currently Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Civil Society, London School of Economics, and has served on a Task Force advising UK Prime Minister Tony Blair on Africa.

From 1992 to 2000 he worked for the World Bank as manager of the NGO and Civil Society Unit and then as Lead Social Development Specialist for East Asia. Before that he worked in NGOs for 18 years, mostly with Oxfam UK where he led campaigns operations and managed Oxfam’s advocacy with official agencies and Northern governments on aid, debt and trade issues.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION; 1) Globalization – Agony or Ecstasy? Setting the Scene; 2) How Globalization Impacts Markets – Distortion and Extortion; 3) How Globalization Impacts Poor People; 4) How Globalization Impacts Politics: from Delegative to Deliberative Democracy

PART TWO: HOW GLOBAL CHANGE AFFECTS CIVIL SOCIETY; 5) This is the Age of a Civicus – the Rise of Civil Society; 6) Civil Society in the Network Era; 7) Retaining Relevance – 21st Century Strategies for Development NGOs; 8) The Protest Movement and “Dot-Causes”; 9) Pressure Groups under Pressure – the Backlash against Civil Society

PART THREE: THE PATH TO ETHICAL GLOBALIZATION; 10) Civilizing Globalization – Roles for Civil Society in Global Governance; 11) Making Globalization Ethical – by Making Ethics Global; Annex 1) The Theory of “Comparative Advantage”; Annex 2) The World Trade Organization

Editorial Reviews

"A balanced survey of debates surrounding globalization, civil society and global governance. Clearly written and fair to all sides, positions and perspectives, this book will be especially useful as an introductory text."

"Offers a balanced view of conflicting arguments about globalization and searches for a humane and ethical management of global affairs."

"A valuable contribution to the libraries of anyone interested in making the world a fairer place through citizen action, as well as to students of global development and advocacy."

"John Clark has his eye on the magic ring of global justice."

"The book balances idealism with realities learned on the job, in what is a worthwhile text for students as well as for researchers and activists, and a help in reviewing one's own ideas on responding to globalization."

"A call to those already committed and a further building block towards an urgent research agenda. It is highly recommended."

From the Publisher