Sir, – Reading Martin Wolf's concise and glowing summary of global history since the second World War ("Quarter of a century in an era of global capitalism", June 11th), one is left with an impression that we live in a glorious utopia in which the crusaders of international capitalism continue in their quest to make life better for all of humanity. It is also a world which has been at peace for 70 years with no ideological or economic conflict and in which all of humanity live out their lives in harmony, benefiting from the fruits of globalisation.
A convenient veil is drawn over the many issues facing the majority of citizens on a daily basis as a result of the so-called free market.
No mention of the numerous regional conflicts over the past 70 years, many under an ideological flag but with strong economic undercurrents and whipped up by the unhealthy influence of corporate capitalism in the corridors of western power.
No mention of a consumer-based system, which relies on the increased indebtedness of ordinary citizens in the West, is supplied by an exploited underclass in the developing world and which feeds an increasing global inequality.
While Mr Wolf is correct in asserting that globalisation has resulted in a more unified Europe and reduced the likelihood of another European war, the remainder of the article only serves as a less then subtle pamphlet for capitalism which ignores issues that are more than mere side-effects to the millions impacted globally. – Yours, etc,
BARRY WALSH,
Linden Avenue,
Blackrock,
Cork.