Globalization and Its Discontents

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Most analyses of globalization convey the message that it is an unstoppable force sweeping away national sovereignty and inevitably creating a brave new world of borderless and boundless consumerism. In such a context politics and democracy become irrelevant. In contrast, many of the contributions to this book conclude that there are real political choices to be made. Even though the economic context has changed, politics still matter.

These studies are grounded in particular historical and national contexts, with each chapter linking broad theoretical and political debates to current and tangible examples. The contradictory aspects of globalization are highlighted as the volatility of the global economy creates a crisis of legitimacy for the advocates of neo-liberal policies, which are premised on stripping away the protections that nation-states used to provide their citizens. This situation creates important opportunities, as well as dangers, for trade union and democratic social movements.