#BattleFest2017: Is globalisation over? The future of world trade

Recording of the debate at the Battle of Ideas 2017.

Globalisation is the process by which national and regional economies, societies and cultures have become more integrated through global networks of trade, foreign direct investment, transport, telecommunications and immigration. Many argue that globalisation has been an enormous boon to worldwide living standards. However, serious debate has now broken out about whether globalisation is finally grinding to a halt. 

What is globalisation, and is it really coming to an end? If its advocates are right to say that it has brought prosperity worldwide, why are so many people against it? Is it possible to have a ‘progressive’ globalisation, shorn of its free-market excesses?

SPEAKERS

Dr Gerard Lyons
economist; co-author, Clean Brexit

Professor Michael Mainelli
executive chairman, Z/Yen Group; alderman, City of London; author, The Price of Fish: a new approach to wicked economics and better decisions

Vicky Pryce
board member, Centre for Economics and Business Research; economic advisor, British Chamber of Commerce

Allen Simpson
chief operating officer, Labour in the City; economic and financial policy specialist

James Woudhuysen
visiting professor, London South Bank University; co-author, Energise! A future for energy innovation; author, Why is construction so backward?