"This book is the best treatment of the complex debate on globalization by a religious ethicist now available. It is indispensable for those who care about public life here and the good life for all." -Cornel West, Professor of Religion, Princeton University


"During the decade between the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the Al Qaeda attack of 2001, globalization seemed to have triumphed completely. Since 2001... the mood of inevitability has faded, and a recognition has dawned that globalization entails a range of fateful, even perilous choices. How these choices can be wisely and ethically made is Rebecca Todd Peters's subject in this cogently argued, quietly passionate, and, not least, perfectly timed little book." -Jack Miles,Senior Fellow, Pacific Council on International Policy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of God: A Biography.


Rebecca Todd Peters examines the phenomenon of globalization and debates about whether it is helpful or harmful to society. She identifies and explores four competing globalization theories that are essential to thei ssue: the neo-liberal, development, earthist, and post-colonial theories. Within each chapter, Peters pointsout ideological underpinnings, primary constituencies, and moral visions of each theory by exploring itsideologies of "the good life."