People Before Profit: The New Globalization in an Age of Terror, Big Money, and Economic Crisis [Paperback]

Charles Derber (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0312306709 | ISBN-13: 978-0312306700

Has globalization failed us? The promises of economic stability, increased prosperity, and cultural cooperation seem more like a pipe dream than ever before. But rather than stop globalization, Charles Derber challenges us to rewrite its rules in order to fulfill its potential as an agent of democracy and global harmony. In this provocative and optimistic work, one of the first examinations of globalization after September 11, 2001, Derber argues that only a democratic cure--begun at the grassroots level--will end global terror and economic insecurity. People Before Profit provides an essential understanding of our world economy as well as a practical guide for building a stable and more equitable global community.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sociologist Derber (Corporation Nation) has a breezy writing style, slightly more academic than that of Thomas Friedman, whom he invokes often in this critique of the increasing trend toward globalization. Where Friedman sees globalization as an inevitable process, Derber believes we can still change globalization's direction, eliminating its market-driven excesses to provide truly universal economic development. The goals he proposes-ending global poverty, promoting local democracy and culture, making businesses socially accountable and creating a framework for genuinely collective peace and stability-aren't new, nor is his observance that people all over the world are coming together to achieve those goals, but what his analysis lacks in originality, it makes up in accessibility. Despite Derber's optimism that American citizens will sympathize with the emphasis of "third-wave" activists on combating corporate corruption and influence over government, he does admit his insistence that "we cannot have global democracy in a world so thoroughly dominated by the United States" is likely to meet with mainstream resistance. Reaction to that frank assessment is likely to overshadow other discussion, such as Derber's cogent explanation of the threats that the WTO and IMF pose to local sovereignty, especially with regard to labor and environmental legislation, and his 25 suggestions for "what to do right now," simple actions that almost anyone can take to become politically aware and active. It's clear Derber wants to do more than preach to the choir and less clear that the public is ready to listen.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Vault[s] the globalization debates to the next level. . . Derber's blueprint for global democracy is controversial (at times I found myself screaming at the page), and that's precisely why this book is so important." --Naomi Klein, author of No Logo

"A provocative and stimulating work directed to issues of the highest signficance." --Noam Chomsky

"For all those who need or want to know about the fast-congealing domination by global corporations and their indentured governments, People Before Profit is the book to read." --Ralph Nader

"Professor Derber's impressive analysis is an important contribution to the ongoing worldwide debate about globalization and its effects." --Senator Edward M. Kennedy

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Picador (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312306709
• ISBN-13: 978-0312306700
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #877,993 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fresh view on Globalization, January 3, 2004

By 

Friederike Knabe (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: People Before Profit: The New Globalization in an Age of Terror, Big Money, and Economic Crisis (Paperback)

With many books recently written on the topic of globalization it is encouraging to find one that brings out new significant aspects. PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT does this in a way that places it in the top range of my recommended books. In addition to providing a wealth of important reflections and very useful facts, Derber covers the complex topics surrounding globalization in a clear and very accessible style. By placing himself inside the circumstances and arguments he addresses his readers directly, fostering ongoing reflection and dialogue.

Derber examines the various uses and misuses of the term "globalization" that "globalizers" and "anti-globalizers" are claiming for their own ends. He cuts through the ideologies and myths by probing the concept within its historical context - reminding us that globalization and its driving force, "empire building", have been around for thousands of years. All ancient globalization systems were based on the exploitative relationship between a "core" and the "periphery". The net wealth flowed from the periphery (natural resources, cheap labour) to the core (skilled labour, technology) resulting in an ever-increasing gap between the rich core and the poor periphery.

Derber compares such uneven co-dependent power relationships to a dysfunctional marriage where the powerful partner can leave or bullies the other into submission. The win-win myth of globalization is in fact a "race to the bottom" where the corporations alone have the "exit power". He emphasizes parallels between early US history and the ambitions of recent US administrations. While confined in those days to one country, the concept of globalization can be applied to the American "Robber Barons" then just as much as to the US power brokers of big corporations today. Derber contends their desire to expand economic power and political influence is dependent on the ever-increasing gap between rich and poor. "Free trade" is a misnomer in the context of unequal power relationships between the rich North and the developing countries of the South. In Derber's comparison today's billions of poor in Southern countries have taken the place of the exploited impoverished workforce during the "Gilded Age", underpinning his arguments with many pertinent examples. Yet, his main objective is to motivate all participants in the "globalization game" to learn important lessons from the past. His fundamental precept is that we must "reinvent globalization to create a safe, democratic and economically secure world".

He challenges the narrow economic perspective of corporate leaders, arguing that globalization without democratization will fail sooner rather than later. Insisting that the political, social and cultural aspects of a globalized world have to be given equal prominence, he dissects the world economic and trading systems, such as the WTO, IMF and the World Bank. He emphasizes the importance of the "positive rights" of the UN system (right to food, shelter, work, etc.). These issues, he stresses, are of utmost importance in a fairer globalized world. He deplores the refusal of US administrations to adhere to existing international legal instruments. At the same time, he examines the "antiglobalization" movements differentiating between the "UN camp" and the "barbershoppers", the latter concerned only with the local community. Derber argues strongly that the localists and the globalists have to come together into a network of global justice movements that recognize that real democracy at one level cannot be sustained without democracy at all levels. He challenges his critics who have called him an idealist or similar with clear arguments, reporting on positive trends in intergovernmental trade debates as well as the democratization processes that have emerged since the Seattle demonstrations.

Derber elaborated four principles for a "global New Deal" designed to bring democratic control to the global system and to establish fair economic and trade relationships. One pre-requisite is the dismantling of the Bretton Wood institutions, i.e. the IMF, WTO and World Bank, which he sees as a major culprit for the current unfair global trading system. Real participation of people and accountability to civil society represent other crucial components of his vision. Finally, the "global security" we all want and need, whether citizen or transnational corporation, cannot be achieved without tackling the extreme rich-poor divide in this world. Derber concludes PEOPLE BEFORE POWER with a series of concrete action recommendations for his readers. Read this book, whatever perspective you have on globalization. It might provide you with new insights and understanding of the challenges ahead. [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa Canada]

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars People Before Profit, February 21, 2003

By 

Joan Mortenson (Huntington Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People Before Profit: The New Globalization in an Age of Terror, Big Money, and Economic Crisis (Hardcover)

Charles Derber's message is one we should all take to heart. He doesn't demonize globalization but thinks that its shortcomings can be redirected in a more positive manner. Unregulated capitalism may create wealth but at the expense of our environment and the rights of workers everywhere. He points out that the World Bank, the IMF and the WTO are dominated by the United States for the most part and are not democratic in nature. Most of their proceedings are in secret and do not take into account the input of the Third World and the billions of poor in the world. When people don't have an opportunity to express their ideas, this creates great frustration and hopelessness which makes them open to recruitment from terrorist organizations and violent movements. It is in the best interest of us all to foster an open society with opportunities for all to participate.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true Gem, January 27, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: People Before Profit: The New Globalization in an Age of Terror, Big Money, and Economic Crisis (Paperback)

If you have time for only one book on globalization this is the one to pick. I heard Charles Derber on a radio program and was surprised at the volume of calls he generated discussing his book "People Before Profit". Political skeptic that I am, I had some doubts about buying the book but my piqued curiosity took over. Two hundred pages later my conversion was almost complete.
"People Before Profit" takes us inside the globalization phenomenon and shows that it is not as "win-win" as portrayed by its advocates. Most of us are likely to find ourselves among losers-in more ways that you might think. Deeply moving stories of those who already lost in this brave new globalized world confer a distinction on this work that is lacking in other accounts. Nor is globalization as spontaneous and self-propelling as it is billed. Derber shows how globalization's realities grow out of policies, rules, and laws that are devised by a small group of "experts" to promote explicit corporate interests. The chapter on WTO is especially revealing. Another myth is the unique and modern nature of globalization, and the chapter on its history and its "ghosts" debunks that myth in a most elegant and entertaining way.
But Derber's mission is not just to forewarn us of the dangerous trends inherent in the current perverse form of globalization but also draft an inspiring program that could turn things around. The last chapter is a wake-up call for all of us.
The book is a real gem-the best gift you can give to friends and family.