Globalization and Fair Trade
In response to market globalization, should our democracy provide "fair trade" certification for coffee and other products?
Globalization has resulted in stunning changes around the world. Everything—from making shoes or growing wheat to preventing terrorism and promoting democracy—is affected, because everything is connected. The speed and extent of globalization are viewed by some as wonderful and by others as threatening. In many democracies, ordinary citizens have sought ways to exercise greater influence and control over global decisions of governments and corporations, particularly in matters of trade. An example is the fair trade movement that tries to certify a fair exchange between producers in poorer countries and consumers in richer countries for a variety of products.
Lessons
Resources
Articles and Papers
- Bhagwati, Jagdish N., “What Enriches the Poor and Liberates the Oppressed?” The Times (March 5, 2004)
- “Fair Trade Coffee,” Global Exchange (last updated December 18, 2006)
- Fair Trade Coffee and Food Products,” Fair Trade Federation
- Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International
- “Grounds for Change: Creating a Voice for Small Coffee Farmers and Farmworkers with the Next International Coffee Agreement,” Oxfam International (2007)
- Ligi, Amanda, “The Pros and Cons of Globalization: Is Our Economy Headed in the Right Direction?” Associated Content (April 28, 2006)
- Stiglitz, Joseph E., “Globalism’s Discontents,” The American Prospect, vol. 13, no. 1 (January 1, 2002 - January 14, 2002)
Activities and Websites
Audio Articles
- “Is Fair Trade Coffee Worth the Extra Cash?" National Public Radio (October 25, 2006)
- “Sen. Sherrod Brown, Fair Trade over Free Trade" National Public Radio (January 8, 2007)
