Since 1989, Western corporations and governments have embraced the idea that everyone benefits from free markets and democracy. Yet many argue that globalisation is also the direct cause of war, disease and poverty and urge the rest of the world to conform to the same Western global standards. Time magazine’s Alex Perry has lived and reported the dark side of globalisation first-hand. Far from offering us an era of world peace and rising prosperity, he argues globalisation is often an instrument for alienation, enduring poverty and war. In his book, Falling off the Edge, Perry argues the boom is about to go bang.

For Dominique Moisi (French Institute of International Affairs) there is a “clash of emotions” not a clash of civilisations. Europe and the US are dominated by a fear of the ‘other’ and the loss of national identity and purpose; for Muslims and Arabs, civil and religious warfare and historic grievances have created a culture of humiliation developing into a culture of hatred; Asia, able to concentrate on building a better future, has become ‘the culture of hope’. Can understanding the emotions behind cultural differences offer a better view of the world and perhaps a more peaceful solution to the ignorance and differences that plague us? This event will be chaired by Professor Wendy Larner, University of Bristol.