I thought this might be of interest. There are encouraging signs of a step back from the abyss of rampant global laissez faire. The new New Zealand PM has promised to support Clinton in advancing the discussions of the environment and social issues around the WTO agenda.
Every small step counts.
He resigned, and in doing so focused attention on the uncertain role of academic economists in positions of power. As Stiglitz sees it, Washington has failed to keep pace with the latest thinking on sustaining growth in developing nations. Yet there is an inherent tension in Stiglitz's position. As the World Bank's chief economist, he has had a seat at the policy-making table. The World Bank, in effect, has helped to make the decisions that Stiglitz criticizes, an unusual role for an insider.