The demonstrating groups piously intoned their concern for workers and environments in other jurisdictions while attempting to protect their own comfortable and insulated positions. Neither side could believe that the other possessed even a modicum of altruism or honesty. There was no trust. It is not likely to bring better welfare on its own. But also, it is not likely simply to enrich multinationals and destroy the planet.
Trade is about greater competition, which weakens the power of vested interests.
It is about greater opportunity for millions rather than privileges for the few. And when trust disappears, so too does civility and confidence in the uncertain future. We turn to constant threats, recriminations, and the use of lawsuits to redress imagined imbalances. No wonder that the public loses trust in corporations, organizations that, in Peter Bernstein s words, give evidence of a ruthless and cold-blooded drive to maximize shareholder return. This is as true of the organizational risk manager as it is of a teacher or preacher.