Alternatives to Global Capitalism [antikvár]

Foreword to the English edition There is no alternative - so it appears following the collapse of socialism in Central and Eastern Europe. The winners in the now global capitalist economy are enjoying the victory. The losers - that is, the poor, not only in the East, but also in the South and the West - feel powerless in the face of world market powers now mightier than ever before. Many feel completely lost. Only a few still dare to be critical and ask what the reasons are for the present threat to the lives of human beings and to nature, and whether there are any alternatives. This was the reason for writing this book. The year 1994 was marked by the fiftieth anniversary of the Bretton Woods conference, which created the institutional framework for the us-dominated phase of global capitalist economics in 1944. Many non-governmental organisations (ngos) in all parts of the world have used this occasion to raise critical questions about the present global disorder and also to work out alternatives. In Europe the grass-roots movement Kairos Europa has started a campaign for continuous action, awareness-raising and lobbying from local to international levels. My book is intended to provide orientation in this context, and stimulate further discussion. My thanks are due to many people for various kinds of support during preparation of the book. Firsdy, I would like to thank my wife, Ulrike, and the many participants in discussion groups and various seminars. Amongst my colleagues in theology, I would like especially to thank Israel Batista, Jürgen Kegler, Wolfram Kistner, Theo Kneifel, Philip Potter, Luise Schottroff and Ton Veerkamp. In the field of economics Martin Giick provided welcome corrections and stimulating comments, as did Anselm Duchrow concerning agriculture. For the creative translation of the three parts I thank Elizabeth Hicks, Keith Archer and Keith Schorah. Elaine Griffiths displayed not only professional expertise but also personal friendship in integrating the whole of the English text. I am grateful to Elisabeth Witte for her competent and meticulous care in the production of the final form of the text. Amongst the many religious and grass-roots communities to whom this book is dedicated, I wish to make special mention of the Grandchamp Com-