America's role in economic globalization has resulted in a mixed bag of concerns, including economic well-being, human rights and the environment. These concerns were put under the microscope by a group of panelists during "Prosperity in a Global Economy," a public forum on globalization Oct. 28 in Roosevelt Auditorium. The forum was part of a national discussion series called "The People Speak: America's Role in the World."
The four panelists, specializing in different areas of economic globalization, addressed a diverse crowd of Eastern Michigan University students, faculty and staff amidst decorative fall foliage and several colorful international flags.
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GLOBAL THINKING:
Panelists discussed
"Prosperity in a Global
Economy" during a public
forum Oct. 28 in Roosevelt
Auditorium. |
David Roberts, director of global business conditions analysis for General Motors, presented "Global Economy: A Perspective from Industry." Roberts pointed out the specific trends of economic globalization that led to this current "golden age of consumption" enjoyed by nations with high living standards.
For example, he said globalization has accelerated because of the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the expansion of the European Union and propositions made by the World Trade Organization. He also stressed the effects of competitive industry on countries and on individuals.
Sumi Kailasapathy, professor of women's studies at EMU, shifted focus to the impact of globalization on women living in poorer nations. According to Kailasapathy, companies that move to developing countries to hire labor focus on hiring poor women and impose only a "flexible" industry model. The flexible industry model considers these women as subcontractors, which allows the companies to get away with paying low wages and providing no benefits, she said. And, as a result, the poor workers in these countries end up bearing the cost of globalization.
Professor Ian Robinson, co-director of the labor and global change program at the University of Michigan, discussed the global economic attitude of "neo-liberal globalization." This economic attitude is not reflective of the way Americans view "liberalism," but reflective of a "laissez-faire" attitude toward globalization, Robinson said.
For example, Robinson suggests the ease of movement from country to country that may be efficient for big businesses actually causes a less stable global economy. As a result, people seek to place restraints on globalization efforts.
J. David Singer, a professor from the University of Michigan's Political Science Department, discussed the changing international system of globalization over the centuries. He noted that while globalization is not new, the acceleration of globalization in the last century has been so dramatic that people are now taking notice. Singer explained that, initially, people thought international trade would create peace and growth opportunities. But major erosions of the practices and expectations of democracy have taken place and Singer said the world has not created an institution that makes globalization effective.
After the presentations, members of the audience voiced their concerns to the panel. Some asked about the impact of globalization on drug companies, corporate responsibility toward workers and the environment, and whether industries are consumer driven or profit driven.
In response to a question about economic inequality, Singer said, "Because of the lack of equality and democracy (in countries), what's positive about those trying to design domestic systems is that globalization creates tremendous incentives to restructure societies."
