Tackling grand challenges: reimagining a moral ecology of globalisation

Abstract This paper argues the case for a morally superior globalisation designed to overcome some of the most striking limitations of recent global waves but retaining the economic power to address global challenges. There are three steps in reimagining a more acceptable globalisation: its primary focus; a corporate morality to ensure adherence to ethical practices; and the elimination of its negative externalities. For the first we suggest the adoption of the goal of elevating sustainable development to be the primary driver of globalisation. The second step involves acceptance of sacrifice by all agents: consumers, producers, governments, and investors, to widen humanity’s moral circle and value future generations as much as the present generation. The final stage involves a commitment by governments and multinational agencies to correct some of the obvious imperfections of globalisation while also ensuring its continuing operation. Our discussion represents a useful thought experiment and requires a significant change in thinking within those institutions charged with setting the “rules of the game” if we are to devise a fairer global system.