Has Globalization Gone Too Far?

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Summary: A balanced, intriguing analysis of economic integration
Review: As the world's economy daily becomes more integrated, more "globalized," so, too grows public anxiety and backlash against the trend. From Republican presidential candidate Patrick Buchanan's protectionist rhetoric in the U.S., to French labor strikes protesting the integration of the European economy, to demonstrations against government policies in South Korea and Japan, reaction to globalization has become global, as well. The governments of both the leading and developing nations appear fully committed to the principle of eliminating borders in the world economy. Yet many of their citizens are fearful of the consequences of globalization, many with good reason. As positions on both sides harden, the debate on the real issues threatens to spiral out of control. In this book, Dani Rodrik examines the effects on governments and people of the new global economy, and the perceptions and attitudes which shape reaction to it. Distinct from other current authors on the subject, he sheds light on the real issues involved, while dispelling the heat generated by advocates on each side. With case studies, proven data and clear, thoughtful prose, Has Globalization Gone Too Far? takes an unblinking and objective look at the benefits--and risks--of the economic New World Order. It goes beyond the the myths and slogans to cast the question in realistic policy--and human--terms. Rodrik makes a unique and persuasive case that the "winners" under globalization have as much at risk as the "losers" from the potential social costs of an unfettered world market. Globalization is "the next great foreign policy debate," Thomas Friedman of the New York Times recently wrote, and he found Has Globalization Gone Too Far? "provocative" on the subject. This book provides a critical definitionÐand welcome thoughtfulnessÐto that debate.

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Summary: Rodrik gets it right
Review: In his spellbinding account of the economic realities of globalization, Dani Rodrik gets it right. Whether it is his accounting of the increased elasticity in the job market or his discussion of labor as a factor bearing a higher incidence of non-wage costs, today's economy makes Rodrik seem prophetic. It is a book whose time has come, any thinking person should buy this book.

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Summary: good source of hot topic
Review: It seems that over the past few years, the topic of globilization aond free trade have become hot topics because of events like the WTO protests in Seattle, the World Bank protests in DC and Ralph Nader's run for the presidency in 1996 and 2000.

Has globilization gone too far? is a good source for those people trying to find out more about the issue because it shows what happens under globilization both theoritically and in real life. It presents the arguements against free trade and the problems associated it with it like loss of jobs and capital outflows so it is good to understand the oposing view.

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Summary: ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS ON THE TOPIC!
Review: Seldom can one find an economist whose sensitivity to political and social issues coexist in perfect harmony with a technically impecable background. Rodrik is one such rare creature. His book addresses the issue of globalization, defying economic theories and pointing straight to the problem: globalization engenders social instability, that in turn unables financial/economic stability to be sustained. Accoridng to Rodrik, unless attention is given to the "lossers" of this process, protectionism may strike back. Rodrik is successful in showing that globalization is NOT "the end of history", and should not be taken for granted.

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Summary: Provides indepth analysis of the issues involved...
Review: This is an excellent book that dwells in to the effects of globalization, related issues and potential solutions. It discusses social issues and policies within the context of globalization. It also dwells in to the issues related to labor standards and income distribution. Rodrik presents good solutions but they are debatable and not easy to implement.

I feel that Rodrik discusses solely from the perspectives of industrialized nations' interests. I would have liked him to explore more from the perspectives of under developed/developing nations'.