r.k. moore writes:
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The consequence of globalization is that _all_ states (core and
periphery) are to be treated by megacorps as colonial plantations.
Privileged core states are no longer needed by megacorps as safe-base
homes; all states can now be periphery states; megacorps alone can
make up the core sub-system. As in the periphery today, the major role
of formerly core governments will be to maintain public order and to
seek to be "competitive" in attracting corporate favors.
The centralized military force, highly automated and needing only an
elite corps to man it, will be wrested from the influence of the
vagaries of even U.S. politics, and placed under the control of yet
another megacorp-dominated bureaucracy, no doubt to be dubbed
something like the "World Peace Organization".
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As a non-academician working within the corporate machine, I am most
disturbed by the trend as articulated by Mr. Moore. I am, however,
wondering about several issues:
1) does the rule of corporations spell disaster for the world's
populations?
If so,
2) What are the goals of a world system that is more just, i.e. what
should the world look like as an alternative to the above scenario?
Here are a few possible broad goals:
Equal distributuion of wealth
Minimum standard of living
Here are some means:
Global-scale unionization
Protectionism
Upper limit of wealth accumulation
Enforcement of basic human rights
Welfare saftey net
Mass education
Return to local economic production
5) Here are just a few of the problems(?)
If governments are in the back pocket of the corporate hegemony, then
what are the chances of anything short of bloody revolution as a means
to the desired outcome? Even if this were to occur what about the
truisms "meet the new boss, same as the old boss," "the more things
change, the more they stay the same," "power corrupts," etc?
Before I, as one of the common people, can support an alternative to
mr. moore's outline of pending corporate hegemony, I must have a
vision of what the alternative should/could be.
Any references and/or direct answers to my questions would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks
Shawn Terrell