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Globalisation backlash in rich nations

We've all seen the TV footage. Protesters at a conference somewhere in the world ranged up against a phalanx of police. The main object of the protesters has been globalisation, with all that entails, and climate change.

Those protesting have, almost invariably, been labeled long-haired radicals or lefties. Politicians have simply been dismissive. It now seems, if the FT /Harris poll [as reported on FT.com] is anything to go by, that rich nations are now also against globalisation.

"A popular backlash against globalisation and the leaders of the world’s largest companies is sweeping all rich countries, an FT/Harris poll shows.

Large majorities of people in the US and in Europe want higher taxation for the rich and even pay caps for corporate executives to counter what they believe are unjustified rewards and the negative effects of globalisation.

Viewing globalisation as an overwhelmingly negative force, citizens of rich countries are looking to governments to cushion the blows they perceive have come from the liberalisation of their economies to trade with emerging countries."

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