----- Original Message ----- From: Institute of Ideas <info at instituteofideas.com> Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 6:30 PM Subject: Trading Thoughts: The Legacy and Future of Global Trade
The Institute of Ideas and the British Library present: Trading Thoughts
The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB Date: Saturday 14 September, 2002 Time: 1.30pm - 5.00pm Tickets: £15.00 (concessions including IoI Associates, £12.00) - includes afternoon tea or coffee
Booking: Telephone 020 7412 7332 or email boxoffice at bl.uk
TRADING THOUGHTS:
An afternoon conference on the legacy and future of global trade, to coincide with the British Library's 'Trading Places' exhibition (http://www.bl.uk/whatson/exhibitions/trading/home.html) commemorating the 400th anniversary of the charter of the East India Company.
1.30 - 1.45 Registration and coffee
1.45 - 3.15pm THE LEGACY OF GLOBAL TRADE
The East India Company, formed in 1602, has been described as the first ever multinational. Centuries before 'globalisation' became a controversial issue, the company carried goods, people and ideas across the globe. Was this the beginning of a history of exploitation and oppression of the world by Western colonial powers? Or is there something more positive to be said about the legacy of global trade? What role did Asian and African countries play in the development of the global economy, and how much have they benefited, culturally and economically?
SPEAKERS: Frank Furedi, author, Mythical Past, Elusive Future John Keay, author, The Honourable Company: A History of the English East India Company Maria Misra, historian and broadcaster Nick Robins, Platform
3.30 - 5.00pm THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL TRADE
Critics of global trade and 'neoliberal' policies condemn multinational corporations for profiting from the impoverishment of millions of people in the South. Some are opposed to globalisation itself, preferring a return to local 'sustainable' economies; others favour a more democratically accountable form of international economy. Supporters of free trade argue that only the global market can bring economic development to poor countries. What is the best way to manage global trade for the benefit of all concerned?
SPEAKERS: Daniel Ben-Ami, author, Cowardly Capitalism Nigel Harris, author, The Return of Cosmopolitan Capital Michael Mosbacher, Social Affairs Unit Andrew Simms, New Economics Foundation