The Global Trap: Globalization and the Assault on Prosperity and Democracy [Paperback]

Hans-Peter Martin (Author), Harald Schumann (Author), Patrick Camillier (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1856495302 | ISBN-13: 978-1856495301 | Publication Date: November 1997

This work explores and critiques the consequences of globalization for both democratic institutions and jobs. Pointing to the weakening of the nation state, it contends that the "one world" created by globalization is collapsing. The authors argue that in future only a fifth of the world's labour force will be needed, creating the 20:80 society; a global economy out of control will lead to social upheaval and, in the end, war. The book aims to provide an alarm call for the restoration of democracy, politics and the state.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

One of the preoccupying themes of this book is the question of what it means to be a human being in a global society. In an era that has seen the rise of multinational corporations, the fall of communism, and the decline of traditional religions and cultures, this work makes a significant contribution to our understanding of how the world has worked, is working, and will work in the next century. A key question the authors ask is, What really changed for ordinary people? On the surface, it seems, very little indeed. But lurking below the surface, the global socioeconomic system has been ripping the heart out of the global village. Perhaps the more pointed criticism of the global socioeconomic-political system is that it is always swayed by its own vested interests and values. It is hard to find anything to complain about in this excellent book. The one thing that will probably strike American readers the most here is the absolute triumph of unbridled capitalism. The authors are journalists for the German magazine Der Spiegel. Highly recommended for all large collections on global economy, sociology, and futurism.?John Xanthopoulos, Palm Beach Community Coll., Fla.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856495302
• ISBN-13: 978-1856495301
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,611,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To tell the truth of the world economic realities and more, April 25, 1998

By 

A Reader (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Global Trap: Globalization and the Assault on Prosperity and Democracy (Paperback)

I have always been dissatisfied with the argument of the present mainstream economics that the free flow of products, know-how and investment will improve the well-being of all our people, including economically disadvantaged populations within our respective countries. On the contrary, the global gigantic investors' blind pursuits of monetary profits have already forced the respective countries to go through the disintegration of the society, collapsing of their own policy-making system, destruction of their sustainable environment, devastating the ground for rational discussion on the direction in which they should go. If you are one of those who feel disgusted at the mainstream economics' disguise like that, this book will turn out to be the greatest relief. This book goes beyond a mere presentation of a possible catastrophe of the world's economic system and build up the moral justification of this discussion. Its development of theories are based on so irrefutable and irrefragable evidences that can't be resisted. I have read the Korean version of this book but the implication of it is always clear : "Don't leave the human society's precious values at the hands of economic lust."

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Globalization as ideological apparatus, April 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Global Trap: Globalization and the Assault on Prosperity and Democracy (Paperback)

A thought-provoking insight into the negative repercussions of the phenomenon of globalization, this book debunks quite a few taken-for-granted assumptions about the relationship between the globlization of financial markets and socio-economic welfare. The argument that the various forms that globalization is taking have destabilizing effects on social relationships runs throughout the book, somehow urging the reader thereby to pause at sseveral points in the reading process to re-examine his/her coneptions about globalization and economic growth. The convivial tone in which the the authors make their forceful pronouncements on the subject at hand is highly appreciated; one indeed feels that the authors sort of seek to establish some kind of complicity against the forces of control and domination (no wonder the book was reprinted nine times in Germany and was translated into many languages). It also does so by demystifying the ostensibly neutral developmental aims of corporate business. The socioeconomic havocs that have been wreaked in the name of globalization find ample room in this cogently argued book. A good reference book this is. M. Karimi, Ph.D

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent look behind the myth of capitalism., December 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Global Trap: Globalization and the Assault on Prosperity and Democracy (Paperback)

This book should be on the shelves of every college library across the globe. It is clearly written and easily understood and gives the reader a good insight into the many myths and contradictions that surround our capitalist economic system. It not only criticize's the system, but also points out what can be done to incorporate a more socially just monetary path for future generations WITHIN the present system. One point that I feel bound to make, the book could be viewed as being a little depressing, and may leave the reader feeling somewhat helpless when faced with the seemingly impossible task of trying to change things, so it is important to read the book to the end. Take a break, then draw your conclusions.