Some Reflections on Globalization, Development and the Less Developed Countries
Marco Caselli
October 2004
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to show that in reality globalization is an effectively global process
because it is of extreme importance for all the countries on earth, including the poorest and
least developed of them. Aside from the current impact of globalization on these latter
countries, the paper argues that it is not possible to find a solution to the problem of
development which does not involve globalization – which accordingly assumes (at least
potentially) a strongly positive connotation. On the other hand, it is precisely the existence of
problems of global scope – those of development, and in particular of its sustainability –
which shows, I believe, the validity and utility of the concept of globalization, distinguishing
it from mere internationalization and marking a sharp break with the past.
Keywords: globalization; least developed countries; sustainability; development.