Saving Globalization provides an eloquent and
persuasive defense of liberal democracy at a time when democratic values
are embattled and scoffed at by some, under-valued and taken for granted
by others. Mike Moore’s insights are relentlessly sensible, brilliantly
presented, and sure to infuriate those who have concluded that democracy
is either inefficient or unfashionable. I expect this welcome book to
serve for years to come as an arsenal of facts for advocates of
democracy and development.
US Secretary of State, 1997-2001
If we accept that wealth is manmade, then we must accept that poverty
is manmade too, therefore it can be fixed by man.
If democracy is
the voice of God, then Mike Moore is democracy’s gift to the world. If
antiglobalizers brand him as "starving the poor," I think of him as
feeding the poor. I have never seen a bigger proponent for a more open
society and global economy than Mike Moore. In Saving Globalization,
Mike recalls his works and inspirations in helping to make this world a
better place in which to live. He explains why he is convinced that
globalization is the most effective way to deal with poverty and offers
convincing arguments on why we should embrace a world without walls and
not be afraid of it.
President of Timor-Leste
Nobel Peace Prize 1996
It’s typical of Mike Moore’s intelligence and courage to come forward
precisely at this moment of international crisis—that is, when his voice
is most needed—with this well founded and finely expressed defense of
globalization. It’s encouraging to know that one of the true champions
of inclusive interdependence is not second-guessing what both practical
experience and serious reflection have instilled in his actions as a
national and international leader. Please read this excellent book.
Director, Yale Center for the Study of Globalization
Former President of Mexico
In his new, important and timely book, Saving Globalization,
Mike Moore shares with us his enormous wealth of experience gained
during 30 years in public life. It is a book that should be read by
anyone who cares about the future of our present civilization.
President of Czechoslovakia (1990–1993) and Czech Republic
(1993–2003)
The book reflects the qualities of the author—a direct no nonsense
confrontation of the major challenges facing the world today and an
attractive incapacity to abide sloppy prejudice from whatever quarter it
may come. Mike Moore brings an acute historical and theoretical
perspective to his treatment of these challenges but his great strength
comes from his political experience at the highest level and
subsequently as head of the WTO—he communicates on complex issues in an
eminently readable form. He argues the case passionately and
convincingly for globalization: "It is not a policy… it is not a regime
imposed by some Wall Street conspiracy… it is a process that has been
going on ever since our ancestors stood upright." Moore concludes by
describing himself as a "reckless optimist." Reckless or not the world
needs more optimists. The optimism of Saving Globalization is
balanced, well-informed and well reasoned. I, who tend slightly more to
pessimism, highly recommend it.
Former Prime Minister of Australia
Mike Moore is among a select group of people who have shaped
globalization as we know it. As Prime Minister of New Zealand he
redefined the functions of the modern state and as director-general of
the World Trade Organization he steered the process of definition of the
global trading system. I learned of his compassion for the poor and the
excluded while working with him in the UN Commission for the Empowerment
of the Poor. Mike is a champion of the poor who is passionate about
bringing the benefits of a truly global economy for their betterment.
Despite the gloom and doom painted by what he terms "enemies of
reasons," Mike is driven to see the marginalized empowered and democracy
to succeed. In his latest book, Saving Globalization, Mike makes
a compelling argument why globalization and democracy offer the best
hope for those who truly want to improve their lives. This book is a
must read for those committed to eliminating poverty through creation of
wealth.
Former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
The biggest of ideas are sometimes the simplest. In our daily quest
to expand our horizons and increase our wealth we sometimes forget that.
Mike Moore, in this book is taking us back to basics. He reminds us that
a world without walls cannot function peacefully if it is a world
without rules, standards and values and that global consumer democracy
will quickly punish companies and countries that do not behave
ethically. Mike reinforces the idea that open democratic societies, run
by the rule of law, with accountable leaders, honest public servants and
engaged civil society, produce the best results. It is a strong message
delivered in the proper direction. Mike’s ideas reinforce our hope for a
better future where doing it right is the name of the game.
Minister of Finance, Egypt (1999–2004)
Professor, Department of Management
School of Business, Economics & Communication
The American University in Cairo
Saving Globalization: Why Globalization and Democracy Offer the Best
Hope for Progress, Peace and Development is a truly excellent book.
This is hardly surprising as there can be few better equipped to write
it than Mike Moore. Those who know him will recognize in his writing the
lucidity of thought, the pragmatism and the idealism that characterizes
him. While the central thesis, evident from the title, is widely
accepted, the understanding of the issues is often less than adequate.
While, as Moore says, the system provided by the World Trade
Organization "is holding firm," there is no doubt that the current
economic crisis is causing strains and there are legitimate fears of a
creeping protectionism and nationalism undermining the great
achievements of recent years. The book is accessible and cogent and
presents its case admirably. It will have lasting value.
Chairman, BP plc and Goldman Sachs International
Michael Moore, having been Prime Minister of New Zealand and Director
General of the World Trade Organization, has chalked up extraordinary
achievements in public life. He is also an astonishingly gifted writer.
In this masterly book, written with a lifetime of experience, he
addresses many important issues, particularly the advantages of an open
world economy. If only his eloquence had been emulated by the G-8
leaders when endorsing trade liberalization and opposing protectionism.
Moore’s book is indeed a tour de force.
University Professor, Economics and Law, Columbia University
Author of In Defense of Globalization
From his vantage point as former Director-General of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and Prime Minister of one of the world’s most open
economies Mike Moore is uniquely qualified to describe in great detail
the transformational power of globalization and political pluralism and
why these processes are so often misunderstood. Saving Globalization
also provides a timely and chilling warning of the threats facing
globalization as Western political leaders are tempted by short-term
political expediency and struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing
global economic architecture. Mr. Moore then applies the full force of
experience in describing the policies, institutions and strategies
required to continue broadening the benefits of globalization throughout
the developing world and to maintain prosperity in the West.
CEO, Renaissance Group
The book is the measure of the man. In turn, trade unionist,
successful politician and energetic international civil servant, Mike
Moore is an autodidact who has always tried to make a positive
difference. In this work, he defends the universal principles of
liberty, democracy, openness and rules-governed international
cooperation against their many enemies. What is at stake, he insists,
are neither exclusively western values nor narrowly western interests.
These values are vital for everybody. They must be successfully upheld,
both within and among the nations of the world.
Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator
Financial Times