Ethical Globalisation

Globalisation has increased the integration of some economies but left many countries on the margins with prosperity for some and conflict, devastation and fragmentation for others. The ethical challenge to make poverty history is the core issue in Ethical Globalisation which sets out to define globalisation and the role of the Catholic Church and civil society in shaping it.

Globalisation has a logic but lacks an ethic, therefore ethical globalisation demands that we recognise our interdependence. The authors argue that values of solidarity, preferential option for the poor, promoting human dignity and the common good should guide the actions of all involved in globalisation. This includes the Catholic Church, whose area of influence runs from grassroots communities through to international policymaking fora.

Ethical globalisation needs effective institutions and accountabilities. This in turn demands an active citizenry, global solidarity and alliance building between civil society organisations to monitor the impact of decisions made by states, international agencies and transnational corporations. Globalisation from below means policymakers will take account of the views of global civil society, especially poor and marginalised groups. It is a challenge to harness the Churchs ideas, institutions and religious communities to achieve this and secure human rights for all.

This book will be an essential resource for a broad group of readers concerned about globalisation, including committed citizens, development practitioners, religious groups, academics and political representatives.