""Globalization" has become a scapegoat for everything people dislike about the world today. American power, big companies, capitalism, privatization, deregulation, Coca-Cola, industrial farming, climate change, poverty - whatever the perceived problem, globalization is accused. The dreaded word rallies support for many pet hatreds. " "The truth, as Philippe Legrain explains in this book, is much less than its foes suggest - and much more. Much less because "globalization" is simply shorthand for how our lives are becoming more and more intertwined - economically, politically, and culturally - with those of distant people and places around the world. Much more because the opportunities offered by these new global links are so great. Higher living standards for people in rich countries. An escape from poverty for the poor. More freedom for everyone to choose what we eat, read, and watch; where we live and work; what kinds of lives we want to lead - all of this without sacrificing the power to improve our open world collectively through governments or otherwise. "--Jacket.