While accepting that globalization is here to stay, the distinguished contributors to this volume share a scepticism regarding the claims made about its supposed benefits. They believe instead that the present form of globalization is essentially unequal and marginalizing besides being environmentally destructive. Approaching the issues involved from a variety of theoretical and disciplinary perspectives, the contributors address a number of important questions concerning the current form of globalisation and its future course. These include: - does globalization involve integration on a worldwide scale or will there be a levelling off or even a reversal? - encouraged by market forces, will privatization and deregulation of economies increase or will there be a shift in direction or even a reaction? - will globalization lead to a new world order? - is there an alternative to globalization? Overall, this multi-disciplinary volume explores the tensions and dilemmas inherent in globalization, from local, national and global perspectives.

Author Biography

Samir Dasgupta is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Kalyani, West Bengal, India. He is the Former Director of College Development Council, Kalyani University, Former Visiting Faculty, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in West Bengal State University, and Advisory Committee Member of the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, University of Calcutta. His research interests lie on Applied Sociology, Development Studies and Sociology of Globalization, Urban Sociology, Economic Sociology, Environment Studies, and Peace Studies. He has received an award from the University of Kalyani for his contribution to the promotion of culture. He is the author of more than fifty research papers and twenty two book chapters. His publications include: The Changing Face of Globalization (edited volume, 2004); Globalization and After (co-edited with Ray Kiely, 2006); Discourse on Applied Sociology: Theoretical Perspectives (co-edited with Robyn Driskell, 2007); Discourse on Applied Sociology: Practicing Perspectives (co-edited with Robyn Driskell, 2007); Politics of Globalization with Jan Nederveen Pieterse (2009); Understanding the Global Environment (2010); Arthanaitik Samajtatwa (2011); and Globalization and Humanity (Authored, 2011). He serves as an editorial board member of the international journal Nature and Culture, U.S.A and Leipzeig, Germany, and International Journal of Business Ethics in Developing Economies.