International Dynamics

The Basic Idea

Gone are the days when we could do community development in the "First World" without regards to the international scene. If it was not clear before September 11th , 2001, when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, it is abundantly clear now. We live in a global village. The fate of one part is the fate of all.

The other night a Muslim teacher on TV made the comment that there are one and a quarter billion Muslims in the world who wish the United States would make an economic system with more equity for all. No doubt, there are many non-Muslims who share his outlook. To continue to press for economic growth as Community Development workers without concern for the overall development of the world community is, in my estimation irresponsible.

Globalization has its effects on everybody now, in one way of another. As India and China come on board with the World Trade Organization with their very large percentage of the global population, markets are sure to expand into those countries for goods produced in North America. However, if the trade is not equitable, and if large segments of those populations are "economically disenfranchised" and marginalized by the trade arrangements, there is sure to be trouble.

The World Trade Center incident brought home to everyone how little it takes to totally disrupt a world economy. The greatest economic development project ever designed will come to naught if the overall global economy grinds to a halt. We can undermine our own work if we do not keep the whole global community in mind in our community development activities.

Off-Line Resources

On-Line Resources