In this optimistic book Martin Khor, director of the influential Third World Network, sets out concrete proposals for what Third World governments can do to shape globalization to their particular circumstances. His book explains what economic globalization means in trade, finance and investment, and shows how globalization is not increasing economic growth in most countries, or reducing inequality and poverty.

In the process, Khor refutes the 'one size fits all' policy prescriptions foisted by the World Bank, IMF and WTO on developing countries, arguing that these countries must themselves be allowed to decide when and how to open their economies to the global system. At stake is nothing less than the whole prospect of rapid, just and diversified development in the South, on which prosperity, the environment and an end to mass poverty depend.