I am not sure if the blame can be levelled at the President as Sebastian Mallaby’s article’s headline seems to state (‘Blame Bush—Why Globalization has Stalled’), but it is true that there is an unwillingness among global institutions like the IMF, World Bank and the UN to act in the interests of a single planet. Indeed, they now look like a bunch of ineffective old farts—even though, with the general population’s desire for world peace, the planet is more ready to embrace a global society than ever.
   What is our solution? A bunch of new institutions? I don’t think so.
   Are we, as citizens of the world, ready to step up to the plate, and maybe use these blogs to do something for the planetary good?
   I’m thinking about individuals directing funds where they need to go when it comes to aid projects. But even getting more involved in politics—creating movements through blogs where we can affect local and national politicians. In fact, having politicians who are bloggers themselves, and putting our efforts behind them.
   I know these little steps aren’t going to replace the IMF, the World Bank or the UN overnight. But if we get things right at the citizen level, the higher levels will work themselves out. If these institutions become irrelevant, something needs to fill the void. And those of us who have the wealth and these blogs and the technology seem the best equipped to step up to the plate and create a new system of one-on-one (or community-to-community) relationships.
   One acquaintance of mine, who worked for some UN-related institutions, said with pride how multilateral agreements saw to the use of cellphones internationally. How you can call in one country and have it supported in another.
   Big deal. I don’t use cells, so the agreement is unimpressive. It doesn’t exactly help those too poor to own cellphones, either.
   It seems to me that if it is for their own convenience and luxury, then multilateral agreements are easy. Anything beyond that seems hard.
   I wonder if the east will do a better job as it ascends, notably India, the world’s largest democracy and potentially the next free superpower.
   However, we need to look at our own doorstep in the occident, too, to participate in the global movements of our planet. Maybe by ourselves, or on our street, or maybe in a small consortium of active do-gooders, we can make some changes when our institutions mess up. We’re better prepared to do this than at any time in history.

Del.icio.us tags: globalization global globalism UN World Bank IMF democracy multilateralism Posted by Jack Yan, 09:51  permalink

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