hey the Arabs dont own the oil. THeyre just closer to it. We could dig sideways. (an old joke) Some good points there LittleHawk, and Im as distrustful of multinational corporations who dont answer to any govt as the next person but I think there can be checks and balances to globalism. Take a look at the capitalist system a 150 years ago and how much its changed (sure theres still a long way to go) but we went from child labour in the mines, sweatshop fires that resulted in safer workplace standards, massive changes in labour standards. THere is more consumer awareness, environmental awareness - companies know they just cant do whatever they want. Look at the consumer reaction (in Europe) to GMOs, forcing large suppliers such as MacDonalds and Mcains and others to buy non-GMO products. people do have power (especially with the internet) (there is a long way to go still, but I think that it can be done)

I think there ought to be more emphasis on reducing the 3rd world debt, Ive always thought even before the Soviet Union fell apart that the gap between the 1st and 3rd world is the greatest obstacle to long term world peace and stability.

Of the key changes in the second half of the 20th century aside from the end of communism, the second most important trend was the rise of the asian economies. Contrast that to what happened in Africa and the Middle East in the postcolonial years. 50 years ago, many of those countries had better standards of living and were more stable. WHy is that? (Im not saying we should go back to colonialism)

I would say, some of this is due to an emphasis on education in Asia, possibly closer family ties. I wouldnt blame the decline on the west. Im sure that some companies benefit from the cheap labour, or cash crops some of these countries provide but ultimately they would benefit from a richer population that could buy their products. Again, not necessarily, rampant consumerism either. But its not up to the west to go around creating democracies because that would be meddling in internal affairs and people who havent known democracy dont necessarily know what theyre missing.

perhaps in some ways globalism was given bigger blow on sept 11 than any of the wto protests so far.