From Barnes & Noble
Billionaire George Soros believes that if the world is to prosper in the coming decades, globalization must become more than a buzzword. In this thoughtful manifesto, he describes how recent transformations in the world economy and burgeoning technologies such as the Internet have often obscured developing problems and persistent inequities. Soros' socially conscious commentary and prescriptions appeal to a readership much larger than just those who oppose globalization.
Business Week
an eloquent summary of the chief criticisms leveled against global institutions--even if you disagree with Soros' proposals for reform.
Economist
In his latest book, 'On Globalization,' Mr. Soros demonstrates that he has laudable goals and some good instincts.
NY Review of Books
a brilliant, powerful book...what makes this book so impressive is that he combines these insights with a humanity.
Philadelphia Inquirer
Crisp...Puts aside philosophical questions to concentrate on policies and solutions.
Publishers Weekly
Financial mastermind Soros (The Alchemy of Finance, etc.) has made his mark as a philanthropist with a progressive foreign policy, fostering open societies. He equates globalization with "the free movement of capital and the increasing domination of national economies by global financial markets and multinational corporations." In this treatise, he explains how his vision to "make global capitalism more stable and equitable" acknowledges that antiglobalization protesters have a case against the mainstream consensus that the market works well. Instead of dismantling existing international financial and trade institutions, though, Soros suggests reform. Market fundamentalists, he says, are unwilling to modify existing institutions to create a level playing field; moreover, they're loath to create institutions to foster social goals like reducing poverty. Protestors, he observes, are "strangely blind" to the need to improve the quality of government and public life in poorer countries. Soros's suggested method provides aid that will "enable, encourage, and reinforce" voluntary compliance with international standards relating to environment, education and labor. His proposal? The richer countries in the IMF issue Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) for international assistance i.e., international reserve assets a process that shares the burden equitably, with the United States paying its fair share. A board of "eminent persons" chooses who's eligible for assistance, and a separate audit commission evaluates those chosen. After September 11, Soros notes in conclusion, Americans must recognize the world's precarious interdependence. Soros has an admirable track record and the virtue of hindsight (his foundations have done innovative work and his take on what could have been done in Russia over the past decade is compelling). This dry but vital book deserves attention and debate. (Mar.) Forecast: The United Nations is holding the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico, this week, and this book is sure to be talked about there. Discussions following the recent World Economic Forum in New York will fuel sales, too. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Booknews
Arguing that economic globalization (defined as "the free movement of capital and the increasing domination of national economies by global financial markets and multinational corporations") has led to the creation of wealth but that the distribution of goods has been lopsided, financier Soros puts forth some recommendations towards the reform of the global economy. He argues that the international financial and trade institutions need to be reformed to contain the instability of financial markets and to correct the built-in bias towards developed countries that largely control them. He further suggests that although the World Trade Organization's rules-based system is good for the transfer of private goods, it needs to be complemented by an incentives based system for the provision of public goods. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
