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The Race to the Top:
The Real Story of Globalization
(Cato Institute, 2001)

BOOK FORUM
Tuesday, January 15, 2002
12:00 p.m.

Featuring the author, Tomas Larsson; with comments by Adrian Wooldridge, Washington correspondent, The Economist.

The Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001


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Economists who write about the benefits of globalization often rely solely on statistics, while journalists often use anecdotes and little economic analysis to paint a dim picture of globalization. Swedish journalist Tomas Larsson, whose travels have taken him from Thai brothels to Brazilian shantytowns, avoids those pitfalls in his new book. Hear him tell how ordinary people around the developing world are thriving because of access to global markets. The experience of those most directly affected by globalization, Larsson says, contradicts the view that globalization creates a “race to the bottom.” He will also show how the poor suffer—both economically and politically—when globalization is hindered. Is Larsson’s optimistic account justified? Adrian Wooldridge will provide another journalist’s critical perspective.

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