Scientifically speaking, we need to define what we mean by "many other
species" - we have already destroyed an enormous number; and
empirically, (if we believe in free will rather than determinism)
survival will prove that it can be done, but destruction does not
prove that destruction was inevitable.
As to the economic alternatives to GATT, GATS and the WTO, they do
exist. Recognising the flaws in using Ricardo's theory of Comparative
Advantage as the basis for the global economy would be a good start,
and beyond that the international monetary system could do with a
major overhaul - for example, to address problems arising from debt
created disproportionately to any tangible assets (fractional reserve
banking). Not to mention adapting or superceding the capitalist system
to address all the other social and environmental market failures that
do their bit to destroy the planet and make people's lives a misery.
As for China it's not really a question of appeasement. We share a
planet. In order to address global problems we have to work together.
That's not to say we can't have and express our views on what goes on
in China, and even give support to dissident movements within China,
but if the world goes down the tubes, that won't be good news for
anyone.
For what it's worth, my opinion is that change in China should be
driven by the Chinese people, not outside intervention. Let's face it,
intervention to effect "regime change" doesn't have a terribly good
track record. |
