The discussion will revolve around the author’s most recent book, entitled Backwaters of Global Prosperity: How Forces of Globalization and GATT/WTO Trade Regimes Contribute to the Marginalization of the World’s Poorest Nation. New York: Praeger Publishers.
The book provides a penetrating analysis of the particular elements of globalization in general and the global trade regime in particular that are biased against the interests of the world’s least developed countries (LDCs). From direct foreign investment to the flow of capital, there are endless factors that affect the economies of the world’s poorest countries. Knowledge of the struggles of these countries is essential to understanding the impact of globalization. This work provides a platform for grasping why developed countries are reaping the benefits of globalization while the LDCs are being left behind. The book seeks to uncover the processes that LDCs should take to reverse their marginalization and build their economies so that they can receive the benefits of globalization.
Major topics include: How Marginalized Are the LDCs in the Contemporary World Economy; How Multilateral Trade Regimes under the GATT/WTO Contribute to the Marginalization of the LDCs; How the Special and Differential Treatment Measures of the GATT/WTO contribute to the Development of the LDCs; How Lack of Liberalization in the trade of Agriculture and Textiles and Clothing have been restraining economic growth of the LDCs; and finally, how Conductive is the WTO Platform for Safeguarding and Promoting the Interests of the LDCs.
The author will discuss these issues in the context of recent developments in the WTO negotiations.
Caf Dowlah, Ph.D. joined the Queensborough Community College-CUNY as an Assistant Professor of Economics in January, 2003. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Public Policy in 1990. Prior to that, he earned two separate Master’s degrees – in Economics and Public Administration -- from the same institution.
Dr. Dowlah launched his career in academia in 1991 as Assistant Professor of Economics and Government at the State University of New York – Canton College – where he worked until 1996. Thereafter, he accepted a Consultant Economist position with the Dhaka Office of the World Bank, and then, a Policy Adviser position with the United Nations. Before returning to the U.S. in 2001 as Visiting Scholar at Columbia University, he worked as a Japan Foundation Fellow and Visiting Professor of Economics at Otaru University Commerce. He also worked in consultancy capacities for the United Nations, USAID, USIA (United States Information Agency), the European Union and the German GTZ, among other organizations.
A recipient of numerous prestigious scholarships, including that from Fulbright, Commonwealth, Rotary Foundation, and Asia Foundation, Dr. Dowlah has conducted important research in the areas of transition of formerly socialist countries; economic reform issues in under-developed countries; and globalization and international trade issues, particularly in the context of the World Trade Organization.
Besides, Backwaters of Global Prosperity, he authored two other books -- The Life and Times of Soviet Socialism (Praeger Publishers, 1997) and Soviet Political Economy in Transition: From Lenin to Gorbachev (Greenwood Press, 1992). His articles appeared in refereed journals, including the World Economy; International Journal of Social Welfare, The Asia-Pacific Development Journal; and The Indian Journal of Industrial Relations. He also wrote columns for the Japan Times (Tokyo), The Daily Star (Dhaka); and The Financial Express (Dhaka).
