A Chasm Grows in “Flat” World

"In theory," writes Mark Trumbull in The Christian Science Monitor, "as economies open up to commerce, there should be greater equality of opportunities – and incomes." Unfortunately, as Trumbull reports, globalization is not the ultimate cure for poverty, as others may have hoped. While the economies of countries like China and India have certainly blossomed with increased global interconnectedness, other major parts of the world, such as Africa, are struggling. Trumbull reports on the conspicuous gaps between the incomes of the world's rich and poor. University economist Jeffrey Williamson recommends a strong focus on training and education to enable poorer people to "climb the skill ladder" – instead of falling towards the bottom of the income bracket. And why is it so important to eliminate this inequality? In addition to contributing to political stability and fueling economic growth, Trumbull suggests, "it can mean more fulfillment of human potential and less suffering." – YaleGlobal