The Globalization Backlash

Globalisation, heralded for decades as a harbinger of prosperity, faces a huge backlash. Derided by right-wing nationalists as a ‘globalist’ plot to undermine traditional communities, and by left-wing critics as the rule of rampaging corporations, it has become a political punching bag around the world.

In this incisive book, leading commentator Colin Crouch defends globalisation against its critics to the right and left. He argues that reversing the process would mean a poorer world riven by nationalistic and reactionary antagonisms. However, globalisation will only be worth saving if we institute reforms to promote social solidarity and recover pride and confidence for the cities and regions that have lost out. Crouch shows that we can therefore only save globalisation from itself if we transcend the nation state and subject global economic flows to democratically responsible transnational governance.

Crouch provides a much-needed riposte to the delusions that risk plunging the world back into a zero-sum game of regressive economic nationalism, combining cool-headed analysis with a visionary call for a reformed and genuinely progressive globalisation.

The Globalization Backlash offers readers a compelling argument for a thoughtful and concerted effort to reform global dynamics for the benefit of all.