Globalization and the Myths of Free Trade April 18, 2003
The aim of this conference is to challenge the theoretical and empirical claims that underpin the current wave of globalization, and to question the wisdom of the drive to institute a world wide system of unrestricted trade and capital flows. Sessions will focus on the historical role of regulated trade in the rise of the developed world, on the structural flaws in the conventional theory of trade, on the empirical evidence concerning the effects of trade and financial liberalization, and on the economic and social consequences for the developing world.
Opening Remarks: 9:00-9:30 am Richard Bernstein, Dean of the Graduate Faculty, New School University, and Anwar Shaikh, Professor, New School University
Session I: 9:30-11:30 am
Lance Taylor, New School University, "External Liberalization in Asia, Post Socialist Europe and Brazil" John Weeks, School of Oriental and African Studies, "Exports and Foreign Investment in Latin America" Thomas Palley, Globalization Reform Project, Open Society Institute, "Revisiting the Economics of Import Substitution" Massoud Karshenas, School of Oriental and African Studies, "Exchange Rates, Labour Markets and Manufacturing Exports from a Global Perspective"
Session II: 11:45 am-1:15 pm
Branko Milanovic, World Bank, "Worlds Apart: International and World Inequality, 1950-2000" Sanjay Reddy, Barnard College, "Trade, Growth and Poverty" Diane Elson, University of Essex, and Nilufer Cagatay , University of Utah, "International Trade: A Feminist Perspective"
Lunch Break
Session III: 2:15-3:45 pm
Ajit Singh, Cambridge University, "Capital Account Liberalization: Free Long Term Capital Flows, Financial Crises and Economic Development" Andrew Glyn, Oxford University, "International Competition and Profitability in OEDC Countries" Stephanie Seguino, University of Vermont, "Is More Mobility Good?: Mobile Capital and the Low Wage Low Productivity Trap"
Session IV: 4:15-5:45 pm
Ha-Joon Chang, Cambridge University, "Kicking Away the Ladder: The Real History of Free Trade" Anwar Shaikh, New School University, "Globalization and the Theory of Free Trade" Deepak Nayyar, University of Delhi, "Globalization and Free Trade: The Flexible Doctrine"