Source: Pexels
Arguments and opinions in style that “globalism is dead” are common
today and are nothing new. Similar statements were made during 1990’s and
2000’s. One example is “The Collapse of Globalism” by John Ralston Saul
published in 2005.[1]
In order to show that globalism was dead and collapsing Saul presented aspects
as rising inequality, nationalism and economic populism around the world. Other
examples of globalism on decline were the Asian financial crisis and
demonstrations in Seattle. It is interesting that his book was published during
the same period which intellectuals, academics and pundits as for example Dani Rodrik
have presented as a period of “hyperglobalization” and “hyperglobalism”.
In a similar essay called “The Collapse of Globalism. And the rebirth of
nationalism” Saul pointed out on trends, behaviors and signs of globalization
not working well, and at least not working as globalists were presenting it.[2] According
to Saul, keynesianist economic polices did not worked well as during the 1970’s
which led to acceptance for new ideas as
by Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek who argued that government regulation
was the problem and that the free market
was the solution. Both Hayek and Friedman became as symbols in what was to be
called neo-liberalism and neo-liberal capitalism.[3]
Among Saul’s main criticism was that presenting globalization as inevitable was
a sign of arguments in favor of globalization actually being week. As he
explained that: “once you believe that the market is inevitable you
start believing that the lower the taxes the bigger the growth, and the happier
people will be. Well, there’s absolutely no historic proof for that at all”.[4]
Such developments were truth in some parts of the world as Europe and North
America, but not for others as Africa, Asia and South America. It is harder to measure happiness of
humans, especially from older historical periods as from 19th
century. History has examples of lower taxes and higher growth as
during 19th century parts of Europe as United Kingdom, Sweden during
1950’s and 60’s and also sub-national entities as Texas. Also, when it comes to
inequality there are still challenges with measurement, very much depending on
national bias in statistics but also on human bias regarding one’s emotions and
perceptions of economy. As in the review of Saul’s book, economist Bibek Debroy
wrote that:
”What is the impact of globalisation on
disparities? The answer depends on the yardstick used and there is a difference
between poverty, an absolute concept, and inequality, a relative one. Saul
doesn't appreciate the difference… No economist has said globalism is sufficient, though it is
necessary”. [5]
According to Saul, globalization was dead because
“grand economic theories rarely last more than few decades” and due its
“technocratic and technological determinism”. In his views, globalization’s
promotion, such as symbolism of “inevitable” and “end of history” became as
a religion as Christianity. And the dichotomy globalism-nationalism was already
manifested with WTO being established during the same period as the war in
former Yugoslavia was ending and that globalization peaked in 1995.[6]
However, as it will be shown, the case of globalization, as well as globalism
being dead is simply not the case.
[1] Saul, Ralston John. “The Collapse of Globalism. And
the Reinvention of the World”. (2005, Abrams Books, New York).
[2] John Ralston Saul. The Collapse of
Globalism. And the Rebirth of Nationalism. Publciation date: Unknown.
Downloaded: 2019-06-19. Website: http://www.urbanlab.org/articles/misc/Saul%202010%20-%20collapse%20of%20globalism.pdf
[3] Mother Jones. The Collapse of
Globalism. Publication date: 2005-11-09. Downloaded: 2019-06-19. Website: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2005/11/collapse-globalism/ .
[4] Ibid
[5] India Today. Book review: John
Ralston Saul’s “Collapse of Globalism And Reinvention of World”. Publication
date: 2005-11-14. Downloaded: 2019-06-19. Website: https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/books/story/20051114-book-review-collapse-of-globalism-and-reinvention-of-world-by-john-saul-786561-2005-11-14
[6] John Ralston Saul. The Collapse of
Globalism. And the Rebirth of Nationalism. Publciation date: Unknown.
Downloaded: 2019-06-19. Website: http://www.urbanlab.org/articles/misc/Saul%202010%20-%20collapse%20of%20globalism.pdf
