People Before Profit

"The 'basic principle' of this ambitious study is the task of 'reinventing globalization' by 'reinventing democracy.' Interweaving personal experiences from around the world with careful analysis of global economic, political, and cultural trends, Derber makes a powerful case for the urgency of this task, and outlines constructive approaches to pursuing it successfully. A provocative and stimulating work directed to issues of the highest significance."—Noam Chomsky, from his Foreword

"This is a remarkable book that deconstructs the myths of the global economy, transforming it in the process from an iron cage into a source of real hope based on the decency, activism, and solidarity of people across borders . . . Derber's book provides us with a popular guide that brings alive the most complex issues, without ever losing its eye on the activism that creates change and hope."—Charles Kernaghan, director of the National Labor Committee

"In People Before Profit, Charles Derber helps vault the globalization debates to the next level. He not only identifies the system's failures but also puts forward his own detailed plan for a more democratic brand of globalization. Derber's blueprint for global democracy is controversial (at times I found myself screaming at the page), and that's precisely why this book is so important. With any luck, it will help kick-start a much-needed debate on the principles that should unite our world."—Naomi Klein, author of No Logo and Fences and Windows

"To globalize or not to globalize? Is that the question? Not according to Charles Derber's refreshing take on this age-old question. In the post-9/11 world, Derber convincingly argues that we must create a different global vision than what the corporations have offered, one that puts democracy at its core. As examples of corporate malfeasance sprout up like mushroom after a heavy rain, Derber's message could not be more timely. People Before Profit is a must-read and his 'What to Do Right Now' should be pasted on the walls of every home, school, and business in the country."—Juliet Schor, author of The Overworked American

"A must read . . . This book is about the urgent need to reinvent globalization to create a safe, democratic, and economically secure world. Charles Derber expertly argues that bringing about a democratic cure for the ills of globalization is the most important challenge in the world today."—Craig Kielburger, founder of Free the Children

"Professor Derber's impressive analysis is an important contribution to the ongoing worldwide debate about globalization and its effects. He provides thoughtful ways in which globalization can help to close the gap between rich and poor, encourage democracy, and achieve greater freedom for vast numbers of people throughout the world. His ideas will be of interest to everyone who wants to know more about these basic issues of our time."—Senator Edward M. Kennedy

"Charles Derber has written a thoughtful and penetrating assessment of the global economy, the inequities it has generated, and the global justice movement that is rising up in response. People Before Profit provides both readable historical and political context and is a practical and useful guide for activists who are fighting to make the global economy work for working families everywhere."—John J. Sweeney, President, AFL-CIO

"For all who need or want to know about the fast-congealing domination by global corporations and their indentured governments, People Before Profit is the book to read. Charles Derber describes the realities that affect everyday life, punctures the myths, and elaborately presents sensible solutions for strong democracies, just economies, and most important, tangible ways for you to engage both objectives."—Ralph Nader

"What a great teacher! Charles Derber makes sense of such numbing issues as globalization, terrorism, and world poverty as if he's having a conversation and cup of coffee with the reader. Not only that, he sets forth a visionary framework for a new world order that is democratic."—Tom Hayden

ch"Where Thomas Friedman sees globalization as an inevitable process, Derber believes we can still change globalization's direction, eliminating its market-driven excesses to provide truly universal economic development."—Publishers Weekly