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Global Economics: From Kosovo to McDonaldsWhen all is said and done, it all goes back to money. The world has entered a new stage of homogenization never before seen.by Donald WardThe "third way" is a buzzword for a new kind of capitalism being proclaimed by heads of state in Europe. The term was coined by social psychologist, Anthony Giddens, in his book titled The Third Way. Giddens analyzes the principal economic systems that have dominated the twentieth century, namely state socialism, communism, and free market capitalism. He concludes that socialism and communism have failed miserably. So the only viable alternative is capitalism. But free market capitalism tends to run out of control. Thus he advocates "third way" capitalism. Third way capitalism calls for state regulation and coordination of capital. When it comes to third way economics, the United States economic system provides a model for other nations. Its economy is regulated to a large degree by the Federal Reserve. Through its policies it controls the nation's, and to some degree, the world's money supply. When the economy heats up and inflation raises its ugly head, the Fed increases the prime lending rate. When the economy slows down, the Fed lowers the prime rate. The U.S. economy is so pervasive that the Fed's monetary policy influences the world's economy. In addition to national monetary policies, larger blocks of nations, such as the G-8 nations and the World Trade Organization, develop various trade agreements and monetary policies that significantly impact global economics. European countries and British commonwealth countries are in the process of making the transition from state regulated economics to the free market system. They are struggling to find the balance between state control and privatization. I recently visited New Zealand, once a bastion of state socialism. They were quick to point out that they are in lock step with the other Pacific Rim nations by privatizing their major industries as quickly as possible. The textile industry is currently being deregulated. They were also quick to note that most of the textiles in their stores are labeled "made in China" or "made in Taiwan." The free market system has engulfed the world's market places. Even though China has not been "officially" admitted to the World Trade Organization, its textiles are being marketed in virtually every department store on earth. Much of the rhetoric streaming from the mouths of European leaders concerning third way economics is barking after the hunt is over. Europeans are investing heavily in world markets. Witness the merging of German and British corporations with corporations in the United States. One of the most notable mergers is that of Daimler (Mercedes Benz) and Chrysler. In his widely acclaimed book titled One World, Ready or Not, William Greider summed up the economic might of the multinationals as follows: "During the last generation, the world's 500 largest multinational corporations grew in sales from $721 billion in 1971 to $5.2 trillion in 1991. During that period they claimed one third of all manufacturing exports, three fourths of commodity trade and four fifths of trade and technology and management services"(One World, Ready or Not, William Greider, Simon and Schuster, 1997, page 21). New Economics Already Sweeping the World So, when heads of state speak of third way economics they are largely giving lip service to the gross economic transition that has swept across the nations of the world. Some people may be comforted by rhetoric that tends to assure them that their national governments will provide some protection from being trampled by the free market herd. But all nations are waiting in line to get a bigger slice of the free market pie. Three words dominate the landscape of geopolitics: peace, prosperity and democratization. These three words coupled with the plea for human rights have broad appeal to the masses. Even dictators talk of peace, prosperity and human rights. But some national leaders aren't interested in democratizing their national governments. They realize that national elections might result in their being thrown out of office. However, investors are reluctant to invest in a country that is ravaged by war or controlled by a dictator. Dictatorial governments have a history of instability, resulting in great upheavals in their nations' ability to produce and distribute goods and services. One by one the world's dictatorial leaders are falling by the wayside (witness what recently happened to the Suharto family in Indonesia). But despite all the rhetoric about peace, prosperity and democracy, this will eventually give way to a beastly dictator. The prophet Daniel wrote of this vile person who will come in peacefully and then take peace from the earth: "And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice" (Daniel 8:23-24). The prophet Ezekiel warns Israel not to be seduced by leaders who seduce the people in the name of peace and whitewash the walls making it appear as if things are better than ever (Ezekiel 13:10). If a nation wants to attract investors, it must demonstrate stability and a willingness to provide the national infrastructure that will ensure a return on investments. Since the free market system demands interdependent relationships among the nations, it is necessary for the nations to develop a collaborative system for maintaining regional peace among nations. The nations began to collaborate in this way in 1990 when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait thus threatening the stability of the Middle East. Shortly after Saddam invaded Kuwait, various nations led by the United States formed an international military coalition in response to Saddam's challenge. As this coalition formed, United States president George Bush proclaimed the advent of a New World Order. This proclamation sounded a warning that no single nation would be allowed to impose its will on another nation without facing the wrath of the international community. Even though the United States provided much of the fire-power for the Gulf War, "Operation Desert Storm" was executed under the banner of an allied coalition. Since that time the international community has, until NATO's recent action in Yugoslavia, mobilized under the banner of the United Nations in most of its "peace keeping" missions. So, we should not be surprised to see NATO trying to liberate Kosovo and at the same time bring the Balkan region under its sphere of influence. Russia is too unstable to allow an unopposed Pan-Slavic Union. But, despite the efforts of NATO, now Russia, Belarus and Yugoslavia have developed an alliance. However, Russia must continue to tread softly since she is still hoping to receive billions more in aid from the International Monetary Fund. The Bottom Line is the Bottom Line When nations take military action they state it is for the purpose of protecting their national security. Politically correct themes such as national security, making the world safe for democracy, peace, prosperity and ensuring human rights, are played over and over as graphic scenes of human suffering are shown on television. Historically, wars have been fought over a variety of geo-political and religious differences. Some of these wars were fought for very noble causes such as truth and freedom. But in the modern world, the bottom line is the bottom line. When a nation's economy is threatened its national security is threatened. So when all is said and done it all goes back to money. For example, the global economy is dependent upon oil from the Middle East. Thus it is reasoned that the international community cannot afford to stand by and allow anyone to threaten the flow of oil from the Middle East. One of the primary goals of the international community is to democratize all nations, and if necessary, guarantee democracy through international peace keeping forces. They claim that their actions will make the world safe for peace, prosperity and democracy. No rogue nation or national leader can be allowed to slow the system. All of the above may sound good from one point of view, but according to the inspired words of Scripture, the love of money is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). As globalization becomes more pervasive and more and more multinational corporations merge, national boundaries are blurred. And as national boundaries are blurred, national sovereignties are equally threatened. The free market system and man's insatiable lust to fulfill the lusts of the flesh has ushered in a new type of identity. A World Measured in McDonalds The world has entered a new stage of homogenization never before seen, or for that matter, even possible before the age of electronic communications. The fast food chains of America serve as the icon of this homogenization. Fast food franchises such as McDonalds and Taco Bell have invaded the cultures of every major nation on earth. According to Greider, McDonalds serves as an advanced scout for corporations that are seeking to expand their markets. From Ottawa, to Tokyo, to Beijing, to Moscow, to Jerusalem, to Frankfort, to Rome, to Paris, to London, to New York, McDonalds is there. McDonalds measures its market potential by how many of its restaurants there are per capita. In the United States there is a McDonalds for every 29,000, in China it's one restaurant for every 40 million people. But the point is; McDonalds is there. If McDonalds is there, the rest of the free market herd is on its way. In Thomas Friedman's most insightful book on globalization, titled The Lexus and the Olive Tree, he recounts a visit to Doha, Qatar. From his hotel he had a magnificent view of the Doha corniche, a ten-mile long walkway on the beautiful bluish-green waters of the Persian Gulf. Women in native Qatari robes, some wearing black masks with only slits for their eyes, stroll along, Qatari men pass and ogle the women, mothers pushing baby carriages and families walking together are all enjoying the beauty of the corniche. Friedman walked along the corniche soaking up the whole collage of people and scenery thinking, "If there is an authentic Persian culture and scenery, 'this is it.'" But as he rounded one of the corners, a large botch appeared on the scene-TACO BELL! "And the worst thing was, it was crowded." This is exactly what I experienced in New Zealand. The longest line (queue) I saw in the whole country was at McDonalds! Thomas Wolfe, well known for his insightful description of our times, wrote, "You can't go home again." But Friedman quips, "in the world of globalization, you won't be able to leave home again." To a large degree, the streams of electronic media that flow out of movie and music mills of the United States make this homogenization possible. American movies, music, sports and television have invaded the homes of the common man throughout the world. The number one television program in Russia is reruns of the seedy soap, "Dallas." When the economic crises recently hit Malaysia one of their main concerns was whether or not they would still be able to watch the risqué television soap, "Baywatch." China now televises the NBA game of the week on Saturday mornings. The peoples of the world have been given a glimpse of how the rest of the world lives and they want a slice of the pie. They are obsessed with anything "modern." In many ways, globalization can be equated with Americanization. The World Covets "The American Way" Sadly, the worst of what represents American culture is now coveted by the nations. Illicit sex, pornography, drugs, and entertainment that appeals to the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life," are hallmarks of a world that has been conditioned to covet. Satan now has the behavioral technology to impose his consumer driven Babylonian economy on the nations of the world. There are no heroes or programs designed to focus human beings on transcendental values. The world's heroes are heroes of consumption. It's eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die. Since people have no transcendental goals to focus them on the real purpose of human existence, they search for more and more bizarre avenues for excitement and adventure. Human life has become meaningless. School children have no qualms about shooting their classmates. The apostle Paul warned the young evangelist Timothy that such a time would come at the end of the age. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:1-5). One of the most noticeable characteristics of this generation is the obsessive concern for self and having fun. This kind of mentality is fostered by an economic system that emphasizes consumerism at the expense of preparing for, and saving for, the future. The apostle John was given a vision of this evil economic system: "And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury'" (Revelation 18:2-3). These verses make it very clear that all nations have committed fornication with this system. The apostle Paul equates covetousness with idolatry. "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). There is no question that the nations of the earth are constantly being conditioned to covet more and more. Countless wars have been fought over the maintenance of national sovereignty. But now the nations are forming international coalitions to bring any dissenting nation state under the sovereignty of the "international community." The implications should be obvious. International coalitions are ostensibly formed to protect the national security of the global community. But as we have noted these interests are largely economic. As time goes on, Scripture reveals that a homogenized religion will be forced on the peoples of the earth. When this time comes, Satan's evil globalization shall have reached its zenith of power and influence. Christ inspired John to write, "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (Revelation 16:15). Now is the time to fill our lamps with oil and be filled with the words of life. Now is the time to put on the white linen which is the righteousness of the saints so we will be able to participate in the glorious globalization of the world under God the Father and Jesus Christ. A globalization that will offer the tree of life to every person on earth. "And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). WNP |
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Keywords: global economy federal reserve economic system capitalism democratization Americanization
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