Capitalism: Our GWOT Trump Card?
Can globalization and capitalism assure our ultimate victory in the Global War on Terrorism despite numerous strategic setbacks? So sayeth Thomas Barnett:
Barnett: Five years in, remembering why we'll win
By THOMAS P.M. BARNETT
Five years into this Long War against radical extremists, we measure our progress and naturally feel depressed: enemies proliferating, friends disappearing, the front seemingly limitless.
So stipulated - regarding the war.
And yet, this war's worldwide impact pales in comparison to ongoing changes triggered by globalization. We need to remember that larger context if we're ever going to recognize this struggle's successful conclusion.
Remember, the Cold War didn't end with World War III but with 3 billion new capitalists joining the global economy. We were never ahead in that war either, but clearly we triumphed in everything else.
Let me give you some examples of that everything else today.
First, as globalization expands, it naturally invades those regions most disconnected from its influences to date. In effect, this struggle marches backward in time as we quell civil strife and battle radical extremists in increasingly primitive locations.
So don't expect less violence as globalization permeates the Middle East and Africa. Entrenched elites and cultural fundamentalists will resist its democratizing effects, especially when it comes to women.
Globalization brings networks. Networks are gender neutral. Provide such connectivity to traditional society, and you'll turn it upside down by empowering women disproportionally to men.
Put most crudely, this Long War will see us liberating females through economic connectivity while killing off self-righteous young men standing in the way.
Why do fundamentalists deny real education to young girls? Because that's where all this "trouble" starts.
No modern economy has ever developed without liberating its women first with expanded economic opportunity, then social change (often related to birth control) and finally political participation.
Full article.
Barnett: Five years in, remembering why we'll win
By THOMAS P.M. BARNETT
Five years into this Long War against radical extremists, we measure our progress and naturally feel depressed: enemies proliferating, friends disappearing, the front seemingly limitless.
So stipulated - regarding the war.
And yet, this war's worldwide impact pales in comparison to ongoing changes triggered by globalization. We need to remember that larger context if we're ever going to recognize this struggle's successful conclusion.
Remember, the Cold War didn't end with World War III but with 3 billion new capitalists joining the global economy. We were never ahead in that war either, but clearly we triumphed in everything else.
Let me give you some examples of that everything else today.
First, as globalization expands, it naturally invades those regions most disconnected from its influences to date. In effect, this struggle marches backward in time as we quell civil strife and battle radical extremists in increasingly primitive locations.
So don't expect less violence as globalization permeates the Middle East and Africa. Entrenched elites and cultural fundamentalists will resist its democratizing effects, especially when it comes to women.
Globalization brings networks. Networks are gender neutral. Provide such connectivity to traditional society, and you'll turn it upside down by empowering women disproportionally to men.
Put most crudely, this Long War will see us liberating females through economic connectivity while killing off self-righteous young men standing in the way.
Why do fundamentalists deny real education to young girls? Because that's where all this "trouble" starts.
No modern economy has ever developed without liberating its women first with expanded economic opportunity, then social change (often related to birth control) and finally political participation.
Full article.
posted by Will at 8:14 AM
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