Well, the real problem is too little globalization, not too much. The poorest countries, and poorest people within countries, are those which have been either unwilling or unable to participate adequately in the global economy. And that is primarily a responsibility of national policies. But, the meetings in Seattle and Bangkok had a salutary effect, in that they helped reinforce the importance of helping all countries to benefit from the global economy, and to do so in ways which will provide opportunities to all citizens - not the wealthy few, and in ways which will protect the environment and preserve important elements of traditional cultures. The G-8 meeting in Okinawa underscored this priority.
Governments have an important role in the new economy.
They have to get out of the business of business, but they need to exercise prudential oversight. They have to rationalize tax structures and remove barriers to commerce, but they have to ensure safe workplaces and protection of the environment. They have a major role to play in supporting education, providing equal protection before the law, in promoting transparency and accountability - in short providing he environment where citizens can most fully reach their potential, and business can compete fairly and openly. Effective government policies can also spare economies from the sometimes harsh punishment exacted by an unforgiving global economy. But, we have to be realistic.