Mezinárodní Politika's Report: Capitalism, environment, and our world
World where money is everything. Our society currently leads a torment debate about global political economy and financial crisis, which is one that touches each and every one of us. Concepts like capitalism, imperialism and communism are relevant more than ever because they can offer fascinating insights into the way we function today. With the help of Professor Bond and his background in political economy, environment and social policy, we can explore more about this vast topic.
One of the main challenges that our society has to face is the state of the global economy with its on-going financial crisis and massive overproduction. Moreover, the global economy is closely tied with the global environment as they both undergo extremely changing conditions in an unpredictable world. The result? Uneven development of capitalism is not only negatively affecting economy but our environment as well, Professor Bond stresses. One example illustrates it: China is the top economic leader while it also continues to be the leading green gas emitter. Moreover, some global financial players (companies) are using this situation for their own benefit.
Researchers and scholars from all fields have been trying to depict the interconnection between the global political economy, society, and the environment. Many highlight the recent economic rise of the so-called BRIC group and its members’ influence on the global economy. As a consequence, this alliance tends to be considered anti-west or even imperialist. Prof. Bond disagrees: “BRIC group is legitimising world’s capitalism by trying to become a part of it rather than fighting it.”
Knowledge produced and given by researchers and their extensive activism helps us recognise this and address acute challenges more effectively. One example is especially worth mentioning: Durban, a South African city with the world’s highest number of HIV positive, was in great need of medicine, which would prolong more than 1.5 million lives. Ten years ago, this medicine cost more than anyone could afford. Today, it is supplied for free thanks to successful cooperation between researchers and activists. As a result, the life expectancy has risen from 52 years to 60 on average in the last 8 years!
Finally, capitalism is a concept of various features and it is its negatives that probably determine our behaviour most. The current economic crisis and environmental issues are just some of the examples which demonstrate what effect this ambiguity has on all of us. Naturally, our societies become more and more dependant and interconnected. Therefore, nobody can avoid the consequences. However, research and open debates help us create a better environment. And, as the case of Durban shows, there are people who care more about the well-being of our humankind than just about money.
Are you interested in hearing more about geopolitics? Watch our special interview with Professor Patrick Bond!
Author:
Anja Grabovac, PR and social-media intern at the Institute of International Relations (IIR)
Patrick Bond
Professor Bond currently teaches at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is an advisory board member in several high-profile journals.
Interview led by:
Ing. Ondřej Horký-Hlucháň, Ph.D, head of research department
Nahoru
Tomáš Profant
Vladislav Strnad