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Understanding Globalization

by: Schaeffer, Robert K.

Understanding Globalization

by: Schaeffer, Robert K.

ISBN 13:
9780742541665
ISBN 10:
0742541665
Edition: 3rd
Format: Paperback
Copyright: 08/31/2005
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Pub Inc
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Summary

This book examines the globalization of production and its impact on work and gender relations, the impact of technology on workers around the world, the economic problems associated with debt crisis, the political opportunities associated with democratization, the impact of global warming, the reasons behind China's rise as an economic superpower, and the problems in countries across the Middle East that culminated in the attacks of 9/11.

Acknowledgments

Acronyms

xiii

Introduction

1 Globalizing Production in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan

(34)

The "redistribution" and "reorganization" of production in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan during the postwar period has contributed to the "globalization" of production. This chapter analyzes the role that government policies, business strategies, and stock markets played in these developments and discusses how they contributed to changing work roles for women and men.

2 Dollar Devaluations

(26)

In 1971 and again in 1985, U.S. presidents devalued the dollar to improve U.S. competitiveness. But this monetary policy failed to reduce trade deficits with our principal competitors or persuade consumers to 'Buy American." This policy contributed to domestic problems, resulting in the sale and export of timber and the subsequent loss of jobs in the Pacific Northwest. And it created a host of problems for countries around the world. This chapter examines global problems associated with changing exchange rates and explains why monetary policy is gendered: why it is designed to protect jobs for men, not women.

3 Fighting Inflation

(18)

In 1971, U.S. officials began battling inflation, which they regarded as a problem because inflation is a discriminatory economic process. The Federal Reserve eventually used high interest rates to curb inflation. But this policy triggered the collapse of the domestic savings and loan industry and contributed to rising homelessness in U.S. cities. These developments affected men and women in different ways. The U.S. battle against inflation also triggered a massive debt crisis for countries around the world, a crisis that persists today.

4 Debt Crisis and Globalization

(24)

Many poor, "developing" countries borrowed heavily in the 1970's, tapping the financial pools in Eurocurrency markets to promote economic growth. But rising U.S. interest rates and falling commodity prices forced them into bankruptcy and triggered a massive debt crisis. Despite an arduous, two-decade effort to repay their loans, many poor countries remain mired in debt. Moreover, the imposition of structural adjustment programs on indebted governments has contributed to poverty, environmental destruction, and a decline in government services, developments that have been particularly hard on women.

5 Debt and Taxes

103

(20)

During the 1990's, the Clinton administration cut budget deficits to zero. But tax cuts by the George W. Bush administration created large budget deficits and growing national debt. This chapter compares the Bush tax cuts with previous tax cuts under Presidents Kennedy and Reagan, and explains why ruinous tax policies have contributed to economic problems in the United States and around the world.

6 Dictatorship and Democracy

123

(34)

Since 1974, dictators in more than thirty countries have been replaced by civilian democrats. This remarkable political change was largely the product of regional economic crises, which were compounded, in individual states, by assorted political problems. The future of democratizing states depends on their ability to address the problems that first triggered the collapse of capitalist and communist dictators alike.

7 Falling Commodity Prices

157

(36)

Since 1980, commodity prices have fallen for farmers, miners, and oil producers around the world, making it hard for them to repay loans or develop economically. In many regions, globalization has contributed not to prosperity, but to poverty. This chapter examines the role that new technology and consumer behavior has played in these developments. It explains why poor countries have tried to develop manufacturing and tourist industries to increase their incomes, and why this strategy has largely been unsuccessful. And it examines the "traffic in women" associated with the growth of tourist and sex industries in poor countries.

8 The Rise of China

193

(28)

China's economy is growing by great leaps and bounds. This chapter explains how the world's largest dictatorship managed to promote economic growth and capture a global comparative advantage in low-wage labor, a development that undermines growth in many other poor countries around the world.

Collateral Damage: The Causes and Consequences of 9/11

221

(14)

This section analyzes the origins of 9/11. The next four chapters examine developments across the Middle East since 1947-1948 and discuss the consequences of 9/11 for people in this region and around the world.

9 The Legacy of Partition in India and Pakistan: 1947-1948

223

(12)

In 1947, colonial India was divided into two countries—India and Pakistan—by Great Britain. Partition was supposed to solve political conflicts between rival ethnic groups. But it led instead to four Indo-Pakistani wars, nuclear proliferation, and insurgency in Kashmir.

10 Partition in Palestine: 1948

235

(20)

Palestine was partitioned in 1948 by the United Nations. But instead of solving conflicts between Jews and Moslems, it laid the ground for five Arab-Israeli wars and two intifadas, which have created economic and political problems across the region and around the world for the last half century.

11 Revolution and War in Iran and Iraq: 1978-1980

255

(16)

The fourth Arab-Israeli war in 1973 triggered an oil embargo that raised world oil prices. Rising oil prices contributed to revolution in Iran and then war with Iraq. This chapter examines the role that oil played in the Iranian revolution and the first two Persian Gulf Wars (1980-1988, 1990-1991).

12 Revolution and War in Afghanistan

271

(10)

The 1979 revolution in Afghanistan led to a Soviet invasion of the country and a decade-long war. When the Soviets withdrew in 1989, civil war continued, leading in the 1990s to the rise of the Taliban. This chapter explores the origins of the Taliban and its ally, Al Qaeda, which organized the attacks of September 11, 2001.

13 The Aftermath of 9/11

281

(12)

The attacks of September 11, 2001, led to U.S. invasions in Afghanistan and Iraq. This chapter examines the problems associated with the "War on Terror," its impact on Indo-Pakistani and Arab-Israeli conflicts, and its contribution to the current, global recession.

14 Global Climate Change

293

(28)

In the mid-1980's, scientists warned that the release of heat-trapping gases could trigger global warming, with disastrous results. This chapter explores the debate about contemporary climate change, examines the roles that different heat-trapping gases play, and discusses some of the political and economic strategies that might reduce the threat of global warming.

Index

321

(8)

About the Author

329

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Understanding Globalization

Understanding Globalization

9780742541665

0742541665

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Understanding Globalization

Understanding Globalization

9780742541665

0742541665

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

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