Trade Development And Social Justice

Trade, Development, and Social Justice examines the greatest challenge currently facing the global trading system: the large and growing divide between the First World and the Third World. This schism threatens to tear apart the GATT-WTO system. Eclectic in both its theme and methodology, Trade and Development positions itself as a moderate book, in both substance and tone. In a world of loud and sometimes violent protests about globalization and its effects on poor countries, this book offers a reasoned and empathetic approach. Using five arguments (Marxist Origins, Capitalist Growth Models, Organizing Trade Rules, Special and Differential Treatment Rules and Trade Rules and Social Justice), this text advances the thesis that international trade law neither is as unjust toward poor countries as critics of the GATT and WTO claim, nor is the law as just toward them as GATT-WTO defenders contend. Bhala uses tools from economic development theory, specifically, from the Marxist-Leninist critique of trade, and from the capitalist models of economic growth constructed by leading economists. The book also uses tools from theology, specifically, Catholic and Islamic concepts, and principles of social justice. Additionally, Trade, Development, and Social Justice proposes specific improvements to make international trade law more socially just. This book is part of the Studies on Globalization and Society Series, edited by Raj Bhala, Rice Distinguished Professor, The University of Kansas School of Law. "This particular assessment is a long overdue analysis of how many participants view the entrenched framework for modern international trade. For anyone seeking balance, this work is a venerable presentation of how nations talk past each other in the supposed world trade dialogue between the Haves and Have-Nots." -- American Society of International Law Newsletter, March 2004

First published in 1978, this book was written at a time when belief was high in Western-guided economic development of the emerging countries. The success of Marshall Plan in war-torn Europe generated a US-led optimism that, with generous inflows of aid and technical assistance, the Third World could be won over in the Cold War. The author’s direct experience as a young academic economist in Cyprus, Malaysia, Uganda and Liberia led him to question this general optimism: the reality on the ground in the developing world did not seem to match Western optimism. Theories and blueprints, made in the West, did not fit the requirements of developing countries. Higher production and better income distribution were inseparable twin objectives of developing nations. That meant, production of a higher national output must at the same time promote social justice. Investment must create adequate jobs so that new entrants into rapidly expanding labor force could be gainfully employed. Yet, the dominant (Western) theories of development at the time, in particular the Trickle Down Theory of Growth, prescribed "Growth First, Distribution Later" strategy. Similarly, Import Substitution Industrialization theories were emphasized at the expense of export-led growth. Dualistic Growth theories preached urban-biased, anti-rural development. This book was written as a rebuttal of such faulty theorizing and misguided professional technical assistance and the book’s message is no less valid today than in the 1970’s.

Using case studies from Mexico and Canada, this book examines the fair trade coffee movement at both the global and local level, assessing its effectiveness and locating it within political and development theory. It provides an analysis of fair trade coffee in the context of global trade.

Heroic Desire performs its title--bold, challenging, seductive, and compelling--a vital and exciting addition to the discourse on lesbian identities, their dissolves and perpetual becomings. Sure to incite and inspire." —Lynda Hart, Author of Fatal Women: Lesbian Sexuality and the Mark of Aggression "Right on the edge of exciting and daring new writing on lesbian representation. Moving beyond post- modernism's rejection of identity politics, Munt draws on a wealth of scholarship and personal reflection to refigure the heroic narrative in the service of lesbian liberation strategies. A thoughtful and thought- provoking book." —Esther Newton , State University of New York, Purchase "In Heroic Desire Sally Munt revisits identity politics through the figure of the lesbian hero. The result is one of the most exciting works of lesbian theory to appear in years. Written in a strong and engaging personal voice, Heroic Desire will excite, provoke, enlighten, and entertain the reader with this original insights into questions of lesbian identity, culture, and community." —Bonnie Zimmerman, San Diego State University

This publication contains three papers presented at the ILO Social Policy lectures, held in South Africa in 2000, on the topic of development economics and globalisation and the links between social dynamics and economic growth. The papers discuss key issues involved in the promotion of social justice policies, including the mixed effects of globalisation on the working poor; the trade-offs between efficiency and equity; the new roles of government and civil society; and governance issues.

Considered ‘the most articulate and persuasive spokesman’ for the developing world in the twentieth century, renowned economist Mahbub ul Haq (1934–1998) made a major impact on development philosophy and lending policies of the World Bank. Following the trajectory of four decades from the 1960s to the 1990s, tracking an ideological transition from ‘growth only’ to ‘growth with distribution’, Economic Growth with Social Justice distinctly portrays Haq’s contribution to the larger international development debate. His work is contextualized explaining its significance in shaping development theory, policy, and practice, as a result emphasizing its on-going influence and relevance in contemporary times.

The contributors to this edited volume explore the effects of various development strategies and associated macroeconomic policies on women’s well-being and progress towards gender equality. Detailed analyses of major UN reports on gender reveal the different approaches to assessing absolute and relative progress for women and the need to take into account the specifics of policy regimes when making such assessments. The book argues that neoliberal policies, especially the liberalization of trade and investment, make it difficult to close gender wage and earnings gaps, and new gender sensitive policies need to be devised. These and other issues are all examined in more detail in several gendered development histories of countries from Latin America and Asia.

The International Forum for Social Development was a 3 year project undertaken by the United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs between 2001 and 2004 to promote international cooperation for social development and supporting developing countries and social groups not benefiting from the globalization process. This publication provides an overview and interpretation of the discussions and debates that occurred at the four meetings of the Forum for Social Development held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, within the framework of the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development.