ABSTRACT
Chapter 13 takes a critical view of globalization, the central process that has dominated the global economy in recent decades. This chapter attempts to balance the advantages and disadvantages of globalization, from the perspective of the environment as well as the world’s people. It presents evidence that globalization has brought benefits to some, while others draw attention to the negative consequences of this trend, highlighting the losses and who the primary losers are, and particularly questioning the way the proceeds of globalization have been shared. The chapter outlines the radical approach of those who oppose globalization and argue for a system of localization, with the world returning to an interconnected network of strong local economies. It offers a view of provisioning based on naturally defined units, with trade playing a residual role of providing only those goods that cannot be produced within these ‘bioregions’. Finally, it offers a case study of the proposal for a new legal framework to equalize power relationship in the global economy: a UN Binding Treaty to protect human rights in the face of corporate power.
