NEOLIBERAL GLOBALIZATION, POVERTY CREATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

摘要

This paper examines the impact of neoliberal globalization over the past two decades in developing countries. After locating neoliberalism within the context of the emerging global economy, we explore the historical processes of liberalization in Great Britain, India, Kenya and Chile. The paper will also explore the impact of neoliberalism upon the environment in developing countries. We argue that historically, "free trade " has not actually been as free as the orthodox narrative suggests, looking at the two paradigm examples of Great Britain and the United States. In both cases, protectionist practices were extensive and sharp until mature industries emerged which were able to establish power and market control within the external global economy. What is needed is a new regime with an alternative set of rules for emerging countries. It cannot be expected, however, that this will emerge from within the existing global economic and financial institutions which grew out of the post-World War II world, controlled by the imperialist triad, the US, Western Europe and Japan. However,forces are beginning to take shape for a new regime based upon efforts from below, for better terms of trade and cooperation between developing countries, which could strengthen emerging regions and allow countries to break out of the straight jacket of western-imposed neoliberalism. With cooperative efforts, such as those now being pursued by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, developing countries may experience the opportunity to follow their own path of development, achieve healthy economic growth, pursue greater social democracy, and address the most crucial problem of ecological degradation.