The Ten Lies of Globalization: Exposing the Myths of the Global Economy

In their groundbreaking book, "The Ten Lies of Globalization," Gerald Boxberger and Harald Klimenta challenge the conventional wisdom about the benefits of globalization. They argue that the current global economic system is not only failing to deliver on its promises, but is actually making the world a more unequal and dangerous place.

Lie 1: Globalization benefits everyone.

The authors argue that the benefits of globalization have been greatly exaggerated, and that in fact, the vast majority of people have seen their living standards decline as a result of it. They point to the growing gap between the rich and the poor, the increasing number of people living in poverty, and the erosion of the middle class as evidence of this.

Lie 2: Globalization is inevitable.

Boxberger and Klimenta argue that globalization is not a natural or inevitable process, but rather a political project that has been driven by powerful corporations and governments. They show how the rules of the global economy have been rigged in favor of the wealthy and powerful, and how this has led to the current crisis.

Lie 3: Globalization promotes peace and democracy.

The authors argue that globalization has actually made the world a more dangerous place. They point to the rise of nationalism and xenophobia, the increasing militarization of the world, and the growing threat of climate change as evidence of this. They argue that globalization has undermined the social safety net and made it more difficult for people to participate in the democratic process.

Lie 4: Globalization is good for the environment.

Boxberger and Klimenta argue that globalization has had a devastating impact on the environment. They point to the increasing levels of pollution, the destruction of natural habitats, and the depletion of resources as evidence of this. They argue that the current global economic system is unsustainable and that we need to move to a more sustainable model of development.

Lie 5: Globalization is necessary for economic growth.

The authors argue that globalization has actually slowed economic growth. They point to the fact that the global economy has been growing at a slower rate since the 1970s, and that this slowdown has been particularly pronounced in developed countries. They argue that globalization has led to a race to the bottom in terms of wages and environmental standards, which has made it difficult for businesses to compete.

Lie 6: Globalization is the only way to reduce poverty.

Boxberger and Klimenta argue that globalization has actually increased poverty. They point to the fact that the number of people living in poverty has increased since the 1980s, and that this increase has been particularly pronounced in developing countries. They argue that globalization has led to a widening gap between the rich and the poor, and that this has made it more difficult for people to escape poverty.

Lie 7: Globalization is good for workers.

The authors argue that globalization has actually been bad for workers. They point to the decline in wages, the increase in job insecurity, and the erosion of workers' rights as evidence of this. They argue that globalization has made it more difficult for workers to organize and bargain for better wages and working conditions.

Lie 8: Globalization is good for consumers.

Boxberger and Klimenta argue that globalization has actually been bad for consumers. They point to the increase in prices, the decline in quality, and the erosion of consumer protections as evidence of this. They argue that globalization has made it more difficult for consumers to find affordable, high-quality products and services.

Lie 9: Globalization is good for developing countries.

The authors argue that globalization has actually been bad for developing countries. They point to the fact that the gap between rich and poor countries has widened since the 1980s, and that this gap has been particularly pronounced in developing countries. They argue that globalization has led to a race to the bottom in terms of wages and environmental standards, which has made it difficult for developing countries to compete.

Lie 10: There is no alternative to globalization.

Boxberger and Klimenta argue that there are many alternatives to globalization. They point to the examples of countries that have successfully resisted globalization, such as China and India, and they argue that it is possible to create a more just and sustainable global economy.

Conclusion

"The Ten Lies of Globalization" is a powerful and provocative book that challenges the conventional wisdom about the benefits of globalization. The authors argue that the current global economic system is not only failing to deliver on its promises, but is actually making the world a more unequal and dangerous place. They offer a compelling vision for an alternative global economy that is more just, sustainable, and democratic.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the real costs of globalization and who is looking for ways to create a more just and sustainable world.