HON351, American Ideals in Global Perspective
Fall Semester 2008
Study Guide
Backlash Against Globalization
Reading Assignment:
Steger, ch. 7
Robert B. Reich, "How Capitalism is Killing Democracy," Foreign Policy, No. 162, September/October 2007, pp. 38-42. (electronic reserves)
Other articles (optional):
"Latin American Voters Go Left, but Not that Far Left," Christian Science Monitor, December 5, 2006
"Backlash Grows Against Free Trade," Christian Science Monitor, February 16, 2007
Websites (optional):
Wikipedia, Anti-globalization movement
World Social Forum (Wikipedia entry)
Public Citizen Global Trade Watch (Ralph Nader)
Questions to consider while reading Steger, chapter 7
1. What distinctions does Steger draw between the particularist and universalist types of anti-globalism? What leaders does he associate with each type?
2. What do the street protests and terrorist acts reveal about the opposition to globalism?
Questions to consider while reading the Reich article:
1. What tensions does Reich see between the role that people have as consumers and investors, as opposed to beingcitizens and workers?
2. To what does he attribute what he sees as a victory of capitalism over democracy?
3. What does he contend is the basic purpose of capitalism?
4. What role does he believe that democracy should play in moderating the impacts of capitalism?