Ira Rifkin

Award-winning journalist

Globalization is changing how we live at an unprecedented rate and, to the chagrin of political and business leaders, in ways that leave many around the world uncomfortable and even angry. What underlies the broadly negative reaction to a process that - in theory - promises unprecedented global prosperity and intercultural understanding? Why do so many in the developing world regard globalization as simply another form of imperialism? Author and journalist Ira Rifkin says the answer lies in the economic and cultural values inherent in globalization and their conflict with the traditional values that have guided the world's great civilizations for centuries.

Rifkin points out that all societies are organized around values drawn from deep-seated religious beliefs about how life should be, even if reality falls short. Even a so-called secular society such as America's operates, consciously and unconsciously, on the basis of such values. That's why it is critical to understand these values and beliefs if we are to intelligently face globalization's challenges. Why are free markets, consumer choices, and liberal social values seen as threatening? Why do some Christians consider globalization to be positive, while others see it as a betrayal of Jesus' essential teachings? Why is Islam the major religious tradition most opposed to globalization?

Rifkin, an award-winning journalist, is the author of Spiritual Perspectives on Globalization: Making Sense of Economic and Cultural Upheaval (SkyLight Paths). He has also recently edited Spiritual Leaders Who Changed the World: The Essential Handbook to the Past Century of Religion, which will be published by SkyLight Paths. This book discusses the incredible diversity of religious expression (including non-traditional and even anti-traditional expressions) witnessed during the past century, and how that changed the way people think about religion. Previously news director for Beliefnet.com, and a national correspondent for Religion News Service, he has also been a Washington correspondent for the Jerusalem Report magazine, and has been widely published in such publications as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Catholic Reporter, MSNBC.com, and Baltimore Sun. Additionally, he has worked in India for the International Transpersonal Association, and has consulted to the Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism/San Francisco State University, Frontline/Helen Whitney Productions, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Religion Newswriters Foundation, and the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society. He has taught and lectured at American University, Northwestern University, the University of Baltimore, Rivier College, the State University of New York at New Paltz, Marywood University, and elsewhere.