GLOCALIZATION: The Human Side of Globalization as If the Washington Consensus Mattered

The essays are original analyzes and first-hand observations of global forces operating in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With a historical framework of globalization and freedom, the author, who taught at the University of Pittsburgh's Semester at Sea Program, critically explores the influence of U.S. foreign policies and American values that has affected these countries where freedom prevails. For example, the author argues with Fidel Castro and his worldview on freedom and human security while a unique process of glocalization takes place in Cuba. With illustrative maps and photos, the distinctive interdisciplinary analysis presents vivid faces of the human side of globalization as it interplays with local communities. The book is about free enterprise and political freedom as the new American influence through the Washington Consensus – the “Trinity of Washington” and its “Ten Commandments” – continues with unintended consequences by glocalizing every society and each of us.

After his government service at the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Defense, and State, Dr. Patrick Mendis returned to academia. He served as a visiting professor of economics and public policy at the University of Pittsburgh's Semester at Sea program during the 2004 spring voyage before joining Norwich University to teach in its MA in Diplomacy program.