:GLOBALISATION_PROJECT [research - Johan Norberg]:

Globalisation Is Good By Johan Norberg



I found this 50-minute production created by Swedish writer Johan Norberg for Channel 4 television. It is a pro-globalisation piece trying to change public opinion on globalisation and it touches on some interesting points.

Norberg begins by talking about the ‘Anti-Globalisation Movement’ explaining that there have been many often-violent protests attended by people from all walks of life including many students under the guise that they are the defenders of democracy. Norberg believes this view is ignorant and dangerously wrong.





Norberg continues to explain that within the last 50 years 3 billion people have been lifted from poverty as a result of global capitalism, which is historically unique.

He believes that as with his countries background many under-developed countries could benefit from trade without restriction.

Norberg begins his exploration in Taiwan. He talks about the formers sweatshops producing popular plastic goods as made famous in the 1960’s now replaced by a higher-grade technical industry. Norberg believes that these sweatshops with substandard pay and working conditions were a “transitionary but crucial stage in Taiwanese evolution, a key part of the rags to riches story. Due to a deregulated economy Taiwan was able to welcome capitalism and industrial competition.

Norberg explains that democracy is a direct product of globalisation due to the economic freedom is gives.

Norberg also briefly touches upon freedom of choice in so much as if people want to eat McDonalds food or drink Starbucks coffee why shouldn’t they and stipulates that we (European middle class) want cultures to stay frozen as exotic museums for our enjoyment alone.

Norbergs next stop is Vietnam where sweatshops are still a reality. Norberg toured the Nike sweatshop in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and spoke to officials and workers as part of his research.



He believes that people ignore the long-term benefits of sweatshops and that they are a necessary stage in a countries development. Norberg attempts to dispel common misconceptions about sweatshops. For instance explaining that since the outlawing of child labour in Vietnam in 1988, has adopted a strict over 18 policy for its shoe factories.

Norberg explains through a Nike representative that there are many challenges faced by a global brand and that protesters unfairly tarnish the Nike brand, which is their most valuable asset.

Norberg also shows how Nike is helping the community in Vietnam by providing small business loans to local business that couldn’t afford to run without financial help.

Norberg says that Nike protesters have made Nike a lot more careful in the 20 years they have had operations in underdeveloped countries.

The final destination on his journey through globalisation is Kenya, east Africa where 1 in 3 live in absolute poverty. Norberg explains that without a fair marketplace Kenya’s people cannot grow economically. The government controls the property rights to farmland and refuses to let construction or expansion take place. Norberg believes this property right refusal along with export restrictions hamper prosperity of the country.

I do not agree with Norberg for the most part but he does put across some convincing arguments. I believe that economic freedom should be a goal for any underdeveloped country but should not be obtained at any cost. People’s rights should be of utmost importance and sweatshops should not have to be an option. Large corporate control of the multinational market place I believe is hampering the individuality and independent cultures of different countries and needs to be preserved. Not to the extreme Norberg makes out, we do not need to freeze countries development but nurture it whilst protecting its global identity.

Norbergs views seem closed minded and emotionally cold, money isn’t everything, happiness is achievable without the amount Norberg seems to deem acceptable and as I have said economic freedom should be the goal but this doesn’t mean selling your soul!

From watching this it has further convinced me that whatever I might create for this project it will certainly be anti-globalisation based. However this is only the first piece I have looked at so I will strive to be open minded.