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5.0 out of 5 stars
Bridging the gaps, July 25, 2004
This review is from: Worlds Apart: Civil Society and the Battle for Ethical Globalization (Paperback)
Not many can claim credibility and authority for taking a fresh look at globalization, especially from an inside track. Clark is one of those with the right credentials. He has been working in all the camps of the globalization debate. After many years involvement with international non-profit organizations, he joined the World Bank. Since then he has advised governments on civil society issues and distilled his experience also into university-based research projects. Drawing on these diverse backgrounds, WORLDS APART is more than just another solid analysis of globalization issues. Clark manages to confront all parties, whether government, corporation, civil society organization or us as individuals. Clark takes us behind the assorted arguments, dissecting some while debunking others. His conclusions do not lead to a 'battle' striving for ethical globalization but rather to an appeal and well-argued strategies for a new ethics of globalization. He sees civil society playing a crucial role in its realization. Do we have a choice in responding to the appeal? Clark does not think so as the ever-widening gap between rich and poor has become intolerable. Even economic, financial, and political power brokers appear to have recognized that change on a global scale is unavoidable.
Clark builds his arguments through the three parts of his book. In 'Impact of Globalization' he gives the reader an overview of the challenges encapsulated by globalization. While reviewing its processes, opportunities and problems from the economic, trade and political perspectives, he critiques the standard responses put forward by proponents and critics. There are no easy answers and Clark's intention is to explain why globalization is so controversial. By taking a pro-poor perspective he exposes the causes for the increasing inequalities in terms of incomes, wealth, security and power for ever larger sectors of society in developing and industrialized countries alike. At the same time, he presents a strong case for poor countries to open to international trade. In the main Clark concurs with those who argue that globalization as such is not a culprit. Yet he concludes that it has resulted in a 'comparative advantage for some - and an absolute disadvantage for many'. Imprecision in the term globalization itself, he argues, and the self-serving interpretations by a few major industrial powers, among them in particular the US - the 'G1' - have led to the imbalances and resulted in mistrust in governments, transnational corporations and institutions such as the World Bank.
In the second part Clark explores 'How Global Change affects Civil Society'. Fortunately, Clark stresses, new forces are emerging from within civil society that can (and must) provide a countervailing force to existing powers structures. Leaving aside the debate over the definition of the term 'civil society', Clark starts from a clear concept: civil society represents 'collective activities of citizens for purposes of social change rather than individual gain', represented by civil society groups (CSOs). These are giving a voice to the concerns and aspirations of the poor and the majorities marginalized by globalization. This does not mean, he explains, that civil society is homogenous or that all CSOs are always on the 'good' side of the argument. Diversity provides strength so long as it is accompanied by the ability to work together for a broader consensus. Civil society organizations have a crucial and ever-increasing role to play at all levels - from local to international. Strategic networks have been forming to ensure transnational coordination of action. While applauding the increasing importance of CSOs in the global arena, he draws attention to the growing responsibilities that come with their new role. Clark goes deeper in his analysis of civil society and its organizations than most, examining the wide range of challenges faced by CSOs - from accountability and legitimacy to integrity and 'representivity'. He does not ignore the varied, at times even contradictory, ambitions of the different groupings and juxtaposes the relative comfort and establishment perspectives of northern CSOs with the more aggressive grassroots movements of the South. In particular, he challenges US civil society groups for not taking on a stronger domestic political role.
Throughout the book, Clark draws out conclusions, which he expands on in the final part, 'The Path to Ethical Globalization'. Exploring a series of concrete and, according to him, realistic recommendations, he addresses not only civil society but equally governments and international institutions. What is needed, he deduces, is the political will of all to move towards implementation.
WORLDS APART is a very important and engaging book! Combining lucid analysis with the passion of personal experience, Clark argues his case in a clear and direct style. He has the ability to bring the complexity of the issues to the reader without losing their interest. This information-rich book should be read by anybody who wants to learn more about civil society's role in the globalization challenge and those who think they already know it all. [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa Canada]
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