I am reading "Pathologies of Power" by Paul Farmer and so far I think that the book is extremely informative and interesting, but I am struggling to comprehend why our abundant world has become so polarized. The book focuses on the injustices and inequalities that Farmer has observed throughout many different parts of the world (Haiti, Chiapas, Russia, U.S.). At this point in the book I have a good understanding of the disparities that exist in this country and in others, but I am trying to wrap my head around why people in power have let this happen. Public health is at the mercy both of biological and social forces. Farmer's focus in the first few chapters is on "structural violence," which I agree plays a significant part in preventing people from obtaining the highest achievable standard of health. However, it is difficult for me, as a compassionate humanitarian, to accept that those in power are solely motivated by greed.
I think an extremely interesting theme that is repeated in the book is "market ideology" and how it negatively impacts those without any power. I would like to learn more about the role of international agreements, trade, and economics. How does WTO and NAFTA agreements impact public health in poor regions of the world? How could things be altered to keep international trade and economics functioning, but at the same time not cause extreme suffering to those in the third wolrd?
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I am by no means an economist but from my knowledge of international trade, it does seem that developing countries get the back end of the deal. I have recently read over the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which was passed 8 years ago by President Bush. From what I can see, US policy in Africa has for a long time been a paternalistic view, where most of the money was given as a form of humanitarian aid. This bill has finally allowed for some African states, those deemed democratic by US standards, to compete in our markets and receive direct foreign investment. By no means is it a solution to the layers of trade restrictions, but it is a start. And coming from president Bush that's saying alot.
If you want further info I recommend a book called Beyond Humanitarianism by the Council on Foreign Relations, or End of Povery by Jeff Sachs.
Unfortunately in capitalism there are winners and there are losers. But I think lately there has been a push towards moral capitalism, or big business with a social mission, in an attempt to stop CEO's who earn multi-million dollar salaries from pushing people deeper into extreme poverty. Or else that's just naive optimism, but looking at our own economy and what big business has done to it, we can hope this will change.
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