globalization

[jdoggett <jdoggett@kent.edu>]

Dear members,

        Recently, I saw a bantering of messages back-and-forth describing how 
one 
could combat the negative effects of globalization.  I think that Karen May 
offers wonderful, pragmatic advice.  I think that Shann Turnbull adds a twist 
to his argument to address the issues raised.
        However, and there always is a however in these types of messages, can 
someone please define, for me, what is globalization?  What are the negative 
effects of globalization?  How does economic development occur and, at the 
same time, how does one change globalization?
        Now, there are responses that I would state now that I would deem 
unacceptable.  I will not accept as a definition some string of sentences that 
rely upon themselves to support a definition (tautologies).  Nor will I accept 
a bantering of words that force the reader to conjecture what the definer 
meant (a don't you get it or don't you know).  Also, I would reject a 
definition that demonstrates the ills of capitalism and defines globalization 
based on those ills.

Another question

        I am aware, from the postings at a minimum, that positers believe that 
the 
lending practices of the World Bank and IMF hinder developing countries from 
true, economic development given the diversion of resources from projects to 
debt service.  Also, I am aware that there are recent, U.S. Congressional 
Hearings taking place that address the issue of changing the lending 
practices.  The types of changes proposed would force borrowing countries to 
exhaust private-sector loaning before applying for low-interest loans from the 
World Bank and IMF.  I would assume that positers here would disagree with 
these changes, or am I incorrect?  Would positers here support these types of 
changes to lending practices to compel borrowing countries to exhaust 
private-sector lending in lieu of World Bank or IMF loans?  The reason that I 
ask is that there appears to be, from the postings, a connection with lending 
practices of the international organizations and the belief that developing 
countries are in a miserable condition given loan conditionality.  Would 
private lending alter the set of conditions such that countries could engage 
in economic development, broaden capital ownership, and raise themselves out 
of desperate poverty?

Sincerely,
Joseph Doggett