Democracy's Dilemma: Environment, Social Equity, and the Global Economy [Paperback]

Robert C. Paehlke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2004

The realities of global economic integration are far more complex than many of its supporters or detractors acknowledge. One consequence of simplistic thinking about globalization, claims Robert Paehlke, is that we tend to focus on economic prosperity to the neglect of such other important considerations as environmental and social well-being. A first step toward righting this imbalance is the recognition that economic gains do not guarantee better lives or better communities and societies.Democratic societies face a dilemma. Global economic integration produces a need for global political integration. Without it, national, state, and local governments are under pressure to forego environmental protection and social programs in order to be competitive. At the same time, global governance presents problems because of its scale and its inaccessibility to citizens. This book describes the consequences of this dilemma--such as political cynicism and lack of democratic participation--and proposes ways of dealing with it.Paehlke seeks a middle ground between those who reject globalization and those who claim that it will create the best of all possible worlds. Because there is no returning to a world that is less economically, culturally, and politically integrated, he argues, we should make every effort to advance global cooperation and equity. He suggests specific interventions that could be built into international trade agreements, including global minimum wages and provisos that natural commodities from developing economies such as energy and forest cuttings not be allowed to decline in price relative to the manufactured goods of more advanced economies. He also suggests ways to improve domestic democratic effectiveness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A sophisticated and critical commentary on how global processes, like digitalization, neoliberalism, and consumerism, are destroying much of humanity's natural and social lifeworld."--Timothy W. Luke, University Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

From the Inside Flap

"This is a very ambitious project. Paehlke characterizes the key features of the contemporary international political economy, projects where it is going, points to the problems associated with it, outlines their causes and consequences, and develops ways of bringing it to heel in the interests of social justice and environmental values. Much of the originality of the book lies in its moderation. Paehlke does not celebrate unrestrained economic globalization, nor is he an unremitting critic. Rather, he wants to fix it, or channel it in the right direction. He brings a distinctive voice to bear on some major debates about where the world is going."
--John S. Dryzek, Australian National University

"A sophisticated and critical commentary on how global processes, like digitalization, neoliberalism, and consumerism, are destroying much of humanity's natural and social lifeworld."
--Timothy W. Luke, University Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

"Democracy's dilemma is how to leaven one-dimensional economic globalization with social and environmental imperatives. Paehlke makes an ambitious and compelling case, laced with his trademark optimism, for a democratic pincer movement from above and below, designed to recapture 'the earth' from 'the globe'. This is an essential contribution from one of our most original and imaginative environmental thinkers."
--Andrew Dobson, Department of Government and Politics, Open University

"With wit and verve, Robert Paehlke points us towards a new form of governance that goes beyond 'humoring and wooing investors.' And with a keen sensitivity to the multiple ironies of globalization, he shows how democratic politics can catch up with global markets, rein in electronic capitalism, and ensure that due political consideration is given to efficiency, equity and ecological sustainability."
--Robyn Eckersley, Department of Political Science, University of Melbourne

"Where most calls for a global democracy present a fairly utopian vision of a new world order, Paehlke pursues a more practical middle ground based on the existing nation-state system. Unlike other attempts, his work offers a way forward."
--Frank Fischer, Political Science Department, Rutgers University --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (September 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262661888
• ISBN-13: 978-0262661881
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #737,920 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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