Globalization is often perceived as an anonymous force imposing change from the outside upon various countries. Yet growing openness to trade and capital flows stems from choices made by governments, not only those of the rich countries, but also, and more recently, those of the poor ones, which have sought to take advantage of opportunities for integration into the global market place. Globalization is part of the dynamics of modern economies, where innovation and the need for risk management have led governments to rely increasingly on market-based solutions. An analysis of two decades of globalization shows that its impact is filtered by the national context, which itself reflects collective choices. National policies therefore remain instrumental in leveraging the beneficial effects of globalisation and in anticipating and offsetting its negative effects. This is what emerges from the analysis of poverty reduction in the world and the evolution of inequalities in the industrialised countries.

Frédérique Sachwald is Head of Economic Studies at Ifri.

This content is published in French : Du bon usage de la mondialisation