|
This meeting will focus on
‘Challenges to Globalization’. Papers presented will assess empirically
some of the alleged economic and social ‘downsides’ of globalization
that cover almost all fields of economics. The programme will address the
following questions: 1. Who opposes globalization, what are their arguments,
and what would they gain if they were successful in their efforts? 2. Is
greater outsourcing by multinational firms fostering an increase in
sweatshop conditions in developing countries? 3. What is the employment
experience of countries (or a particular country) that have raised their
minimum wages, imposed tighter conditions on the use of child labour etc.?
4. Has greater openness of world markets promoted worldwide competition (in
general or within a particular industry) or reduced competition through
mergers of multinational firms? 5. Is globalization producing a ‘race to
the bottom’ with regard to environmental standards? 6. Is globalization
increasing job displacements and insecurity in developed countries? 7. Are
increased trade and short-term capital flows increasing macroeconomic
instability in the world economy, especially in developing countries? 8. Is
globalization contributing to increased business and government corruption?
9. Has increased openness constrained the ability of governments to tax
and/or operate social policies? 10. Has globalization increased the
incentive for human capital accumulation? 11. Is globalization widening the
income gap between rich and poor countries? 12. What has been the effect on
technology flows of the inclusion of intellectual property rights in the WTO? |