Author: David A. Schwerin

ISBN: 0976518937

The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures &CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews

To read Norm's Interview with David A. Schwerin CLICK HERE

Conscious Globalism: What’s wrong with the world and how to fix it  is, according to its author David A. Schwerin, not a book about globalization but rather an exposé of today’s tension-laden conflicts using as the setting the globalization drama.

With globalization we are witnessing a re-organization of society around a distinct economic model-unrestrained capitalism. Moreover, as the author mentions, “it can be viewed as the world-wide integration of economic, political and social activities, and information.”

Economic integration may be a natural and inevitable process that may lead to a higher standard of living and quality of life throughout the world. However, it is imperative that we are watchful of uncontrolled capitalism that produces counterproductive behaviors that are very often rampant in today’s global marketplace.

In order to avoid costly errors, it is crucial to be able to distinguish these shortcomings, while analyzing many of the erroneous beliefs that motivate such conduct, and it is vital that we subsequently correct them.

Conscious Globalism is an engaging and informative read that invites readers to think deeply and seriously about the topics Schwerin zeros in on. One finds everything from the what, why, who and where of globalization, to the challenges, flaws and consequences and the possibilities. Although the topic itself may be enormous, the author has done an amazing job of putting many issues into perspective.

A great deal of ink is devoted to evaluating how our actions are dictated by three multifaceted components of our personalities, Me (self-centered), Them (other-directed) and Us (common-good-oriented.)

This Me behavior is very often in evidence with the heartless actions of corporations and individuals that are propelled by behavior having a negative impact, and which contribute very little to the democratic process. Many of these companies and the individuals, who run them, unfortunately change their ethical outlook when placed inside a corporate structure whose first aim is obedience and profit. Decisions are based on self-interest and ill conceived plans, leading very often to terrible results. Rather than adopting a trustful and co-operative environment, these individuals will adopt the “me first” attitude.  

This was very much in evidence with the Enron and World Com debacles; however, as Schwerin points out, the offensive behavior of a few executives is not evidence of a fatal flaw in capitalism. The free market economy did not collapse nor has it been replaced by another economic model.

Other examples of the Me behavior can be seen in the dim-witted actions of the various politicians and world leaders, as well as others in authority.

Unfortunately, the Me behavior is often followed by the THEM rationalization when events don’t turn out as planned. Schwerin succinctly describes it as a romanticized image of ourselves that we portray to the world in an attempt to gain acceptance and/or avoid responsibility for shortcomings.

Schwerin’s principal argument centers on the concept of aiming for the common good as an ideal, and that we must evaluate the sustainability of globalism within the context of ecological, economic, political and socio-cultural spheres.Ill conceived strategies that ignore these elements will ultimately lead to global turbulence, as is now the case in certain geographical areas. Moreover, we must move from the Me to an US orientation, where globalization depends on trust and cooperation in order to function effectively.

There is a great deal of meat in this insightful and thought provoking book, and as the author points out, we do not live in a vacuum, everyone’s fate is inextricably tied to the well-being of all humanity.