Lecture 2011: Pursuing national policies in a globalized world in crisis

The central focus of the WRR Lecture 2011, which took place on 1 December 2011, was how national interests can be pursued in a responsible way in a globalising world. The speakers were Dani Rodrik, Professor of International Political Economics at Harvard University, and Martin Wolf, associate editor and chief economics commentator at the Financial Times.

The globalization paradox

Rodrik’s lecture focused on four key elements: capitalism as a system of ‘self-discovery’, the political trilemma of the global economy, the options for the euro area, and the tension between globalisation and democracy. Rodrik’s lecture was based on his most recent book, The globalization paradox (2011), in which he calls for a modified form of globalisation with light international rules, in order to give greater scope to national democracy.

Pursuing national policies in a globalising world hit by crisis

In his lecture, Martin Wolf analysed what globalisation, convergence and the crisis since 2008 mean for the global economy. He discussed the pros and cons of six strategic options for the Netherlands and concluded that the margins are narrow.

Sheila Sitalsing read out a column in response to the lectures.

The Lecture concluded with a debate between the speakers chaired by WRR Council member Peter van Lieshout. The debate focused on the present euro crisis and the position of the Netherlands.