Globalization from the Bottom Up

There is no doubt that the wheels of globalization are inexorably turning. Pundits on both sides of the fence argue that its forces are either creating greater opportunity for every citizen of the planet or driving a deeper wedge between the haves and the have-nots. In Globalization from the Bottom Up, Josh Samli notes that as the profit pictures of the fuel, arms, medical services, and financial services industries reach unbelievable levels, by definition, most consumers get poorer because they have fewer resources to devote to other essentials, such as food, education, and housing. Adding insult to injury, of the 100 largest budgets in the world, 52 belong to private corporations. This accumulation of wealth (and the political influence that it bestows) is what Samli calls the a oegreed factora; left unchecked and unguided, it could spell economic, environmental, and cultural disaster. While acknowledging that power will continue to be concentrated at the top level of the pyramid, Samli offers an alternative model, a philosophy and practice of a oesocial capitalisma that is grounded in a bottom-up approach to wealth creation. Drawing from examples around the world, Samli argues that wherever the entrepreneurial spirit is tapped, financial, social, and political change will inevitably take place, as other actors in the system recognize opportunities to reap the benefits (for example, through the creation of more consumers and collection of more taxes). Making the direct links among entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental protection, and political freedom, and offering practical recommendations for enlarging the pie, rather than slicing it into smaller pieces, Samlipresents a provocative, and ultimately hopeful, view of a more inclusive, wealthier, and sustainable future.