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'Globosclerosis' Has Paralyzed World Powers

Nations won't rise above parochial interests: Brooks

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 1, 2008 9:11 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The collapse of the Doha round of trade talks this week was the first time since World War II that an effort to liberalize global commerce has failed. The talks went south not because they lacked support, writes David Brooks, but because Indian and Chinese politicians were afraid of antagonizing their small farmers. It's only one example, writes the New York Times columnist, of a new age of "globosclerosis."

"In a de-centered world," says Brooks, "all it takes is a few well-placed parochial interests to bring a vast global process tumbling down." It's not just Doha: from genocide in Darfur to meltdown in Zimbabwe to the accelerating climate crisis, global action has been deficient as small blocs derail the world's general interest. John McCain's proposal for a League of Democracies might be a step forward, but still, globosclerois might be here to stay.

Protesters hold a demonstration against the Zimbabwe government, calling for democracy and freedom in Zimbabwe, in front of the African country's embassy in London, Monday June 23, 2008.
Protesters hold a demonstration against the Zimbabwe government, calling for democracy and freedom in Zimbabwe, in front of the African country's embassy in London, Monday June 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown harangues Zimbabwe at a Security Council meeting at the United Nations, New York.
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown harangues Zimbabwe at a Security Council meeting at the United Nations, New York.   (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe attends an address by the Governor of the Reserve Bank in Harare, Wednesday, July 30, 2008.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe attends an address by the Governor of the Reserve Bank in Harare, Wednesday, July 30, 2008.   (AP Photo)
World Trade Organisation (WTO) director general French Pascal Lamy attends a press conference after crucial trade talks collapsed.
World Trade Organisation (WTO) director general French Pascal Lamy attends a press conference after crucial trade talks collapsed.   (AP Photo)
Protesters hold hourglasses filled with artificial blood meant to symbolize that time is running out to protect lives in Darfur at a rally outside Downing Street in London Sunday, April 29, 2007.
Protesters hold hourglasses filled with artificial blood meant to symbolize that time is running out to protect lives in Darfur at a rally outside Downing Street in London Sunday, April 29, 2007.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
Hundreds of protesters raise their painted hands as they gather outside Sudanese Embassy in London for a rally calling for the end of crisis in Darfur, Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Hundreds of protesters raise their painted hands as they gather outside Sudanese Embassy in London for a rally calling for the end of crisis in Darfur, Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
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Ding dong, Doha is dead
Globe and Mail

Free trade v. fair trade
Independent (UK)

 
globalization • Crisis in Darfur • WTO • League of Democracies • Doha Round

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