Global Democracy

In "In Praise of Cultural Imperialism?" Rothkopf praises the potentially positive aspects of globalization including peace, stability, and unity. Rothkopf's sentiments seem strange in light of the plethora of scholars and authors who, like Huntington, envision total planetary disaster. However, Rothkopf's words echo those of poet Walt Whitman. A hundred years before Rothkopf or the Internet, Whitman wrote about "The earth to be spann'd, connected by net-work, / the people to become brothers and sisters," in "Passage to India" (3rd stanza). Interestingly, Whitman seems to presage the advent of the Internet, the "net-work" that connects the diverse peoples of the planet and transforms former enemies into "brothers and sisters."

Like Whitman, Rothkopf champions the ideals of globalization but does not necessarily gloss over its potential pitfalls. In "Passage to India," Whitman uses imagery and diction suggesting danger and risk. Rothkopf also warns Americans in particular to take charge in ushering in the new age of opportunity and information. Using phrasing dramatically similar to Whitman's, Rothkopf refers to "the great strides n integration that have united the world's billions." Both Whitman and Rothkopf, like Fukuyama, refer to potential of globalization to build bridges between previously isolated worlds, and to harmonize what were once disparate cultures.

Huntington is joined by countless others in a chorus of pessimism about the future of the world. McRibben warns about the ill effects of population growth on both human societies and the environment. Huntington, McRibben, and analysts like them make valid points about the dangers posed by globalization. Their points can be heard and taken into account while at the same time embracing the positive vision espoused by Fukuyama and Rothkopf. As Whitman suggests, globalization means "Passage to more than India!" Uniting the world under a blanket of common goals and ideals of freedom, liberty, and creativity, all conscientious citizens can welcome a new paradigm of peace.

References

McKibben, Bill. "A Special Moment in History." Atlantic Monthly. Boston. May, 1998.

Rothkopf, David. "In Praise of Cultural Imperialism?" Foreign Policy. Number 107, 1997, pp. 38-53.

Whitman, Walt. "Passage to India." Leaves of Grass. Retrieve 16 Oct 2007 at http://www.bartleby.com/142/183.html