Globalization and Westernization

Globalization and Westernization

Referring to Professor Christopher Lingle's article entitled
RI and globalization debate: Embracing 'contract culture', which
appeared at The Jakarta Post on Dec. 28, I am impressed by the
articulation and clarity of his debate on the issue of
globalization and its impact. However, I disagree with his
statement that we must not confuse globalization with
"Westernization".

Our trade agreements are based on Western and American free
market economic policies, which has led to a massive extraction
of natural resources from Indonesia, which in turn has decreased
Indonesia's sustainability. Fair trade is a question that remains
unanswered.

Therefore shared prosperity cannot possibly be "equal". I
would like very much for Prof. Lingle explain to me how
globalization and Westernization can be considered separate
entities, since most economic development in South East Asia is
based on both Western and American economic theory and practice.
Capitalism or free market economies should not be assessed only
for their successes, but also for their failures.

IDA RASTINI
Sanur, Bali