Review by Choice Review
Globalization imposes risks and costs as well as benefits for all countries involved, but small developing economies face special problems because they are more vulnerable than others and often are unable to participate effectively in the global trading system. Kennes (head of the Sector for Regional Integration at the European Commission's Directorate General for Development) discusses the opportunities and fears for smaller developing countries that are confronted with the consequences of globalization and must develop a clear policy response. Key sections of the book outline and assess the options of small developing countries for beneficial integration into the global economy (such as membership in the World Trade Organization) and identify common characteristics of these countries such as lack of economic diversification, vulnerability to natural disasters, and high cost of governance. At the same time, Kennes addresses how cooperative trade and development policies of the industrial countries can facilitate the integration of smaller developing countries into the world economy. Chapters are also devoted to South-South and North-South regionalism as well as regional arrangements among developing countries. Recommended for informed general readers; upper-division undergraduate through professional audiences. E. Balkan; Hamilton College (NY)
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
