Our future or our failure?

Introduction

Global threats are growing fast, from climate change and nuclear weapons to the spread of infectious disease and job loss from automation. As challenges rise, globalization is rising with it — a highly contested concept. Globalization is the interdependence of governments, economies, people and products, and while it’s supported as a model for protecting human rights and the environment, it’s criticized as a slippery slope to cross-border bullying, bigotry, elitism and colonialism. Which variations of globalization, if any, are most balanced? Is broad-based action or local problem-solving the most ethical path forward? Or is there some way in between?

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Framing the debate

Globalization is the interconnectedness of people, products, economies and governments. But its meaning is a moving target, acknowledged upfront when author Parag Khanna argues for globalization as the “greatest force for reducing poverty” for billions of people. Activist Medea Benjamin sharply disagrees, saying globalization is a driver of corruption, abuse and inequality. Writer Sisonke Msimang asks everyone to ditch abstract jargon — the language of “globalese” — and take specific action in our own lives to create change.