Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate
by Naomi Klein

List Price: $16.00
Our Price: $6.06
You Save: $9.94 (62%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2.58 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate

Book Review: Spokesperson for the post-democracy struggles
Summary: 5 Stars

While Ms. Klein herself might modestly suggest that this book represents a "stopgap" effort sandwiched between "No Logo" and her forthcoming research project, you will be impressed by the author's dedication and conviction to the subject matter. The book has been given structure by grouping its articles into discreet categories that in turn relate to the "fences and windows" theme. For example, the section "Fencing in Democracy" contains stories that describe the ways in which the benefits of free trade have largely been realized by the rich but not the poor, while "Windows to Democracy" describes how formerly exploited communities and peoples have managed to positively transform and better their lives in creative ways.

Throughout the book, Ms. Klein's intellect and analysis is in top form. She skillfully and routinely turns the tables on neoliberal propaganda, exposing the greed and hypocrisy at the heart of the corporate agenda. For example, "Genetically Altered Rice: You Can't Eat Public Relations" deconstructs the claim that genetically engineered (GE) "golden rice" could save millions of lives in Asia. The author correctly points out that malnutrition has more to do with policy decisions than with technology, and that pushing the GE solution is to merely sustain and perpetuate the profits of the agribusiness industry at the expense of the people.

In its totality, the book suggests a world that has become post-democratic in the sense that unelected organizations and unaccountable corporations are exerting greater control over people's lives than perhaps at any time in recent human history. But Ms. Klein has given voice to the scores of people who are speaking truth to power. In my view, this outstanding book is evidence that we couldn't ask for a more articulate and passionate spokesperson for the post-democracy struggles than Ms. Klein.

I encourage everyone to read this timely, relevant and important book.

Summary of Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate

Politics Books

• Books > Subjects