Running Out of Control: Dilemmas of Globalization

Globalization is reducing our ability to control our life chances in an increasingly interconnected world. Employing a systems-theory perspective, Hedley contends that although historically humankind has gained increasing control over its fate, the trajectory of control is now on a downward course. Paradoxically, although the primary objectives of modern globalization include greater scale, access, speed, efficiency, and predictability - or in a word, control - Hedley asserts that our greater connectedness leaves humankind more vulnerable to unforeseen risks than many systems independently organized. He produces evidence from the many system failures in the globally connected information and communications infrastructure. With an increasing human population, rising human aspirations, and growing global instability, increased human control from further technological innovation becomes less and less likely. These developments, combined with a finite global eco-environment, make ecological crises potentially more devastating. Hedley concludes by discussing various approaches and strategies to deal with the problems identified.