Globalization Reappraised: A Talisman or a False Oracle analyzes the emergence of Washington Consensus inspired globalization model in the post cold war era. It presents a comprehensive scholarly survey of the literature, impact of the model on technology, ethno/religious revivalism, environment, human rights, rule of law, and income inequality, and the rise of unprincipled populist political demagogues in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the United States. The book also discusses the devastating impact of the 2008 global financial crisis due to unbridled, unregulated free market system. These developments have raised serious doubts about once considered inevitable, invincible globalization model. Serious soul searching to fix or even discard some of its negatives has become significant part of policy discussions from Delhi to Devos. The concluding chapter of the book analyzes several alternative models by raising the question about the direction and nature of the model itself.

The research of Dhirendra Vajpeyi and Roopinder Oberoi is exceedingly important for all who are concerned about globalization. This highly commended and excellent work covers several important issues in the present debate on globalization in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. As the authors quote, “globalization once vended as an aspiration and promise for better lives for one and all has been plagued with its failure to cope with global issues of poverty, unemployment, inequality, climate concerns and financial instability.” Simply put, this book is a must read with an amazing linguistic, historical, theoretical, and practical content. -- Erica E. Gorbak, University of Buenos Aires
This book substantially renews our understanding of globalization. It represents a significant breakthrough as it demonstrates that globalization cannot be understood without taking into account dimensions that are often ignored by purely economic approaches, such as technology, religion, civil society or security. Based on a deep knowledge of the literature and abundant empirical data, it is a must-read for all scholars and policymakers interested in what “globalization” really means. -- Alice Nicole Sindzingre, University of London

Dhirendra Vajpeyi is professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa.

Roopinder Oberoi isfaculty member in the Department of Political Science at the University of Delhi.