One World was published as a compilation of an earlier set of lectures delivered by the ethicist philosopher Peter Singer at Yale University in November 2000, devoted to the subject of contemporary society and the ethical challenges of globalization. One World Now comes in the light of the global turmoil that followed September 11th, as a revised version that essentially builds upon the framework of the former publication by filling in the reader with an updated analysis of the global issues that shaped the start of the 21st century and our present decade. Considering that we are moving beyond the era of nation-building ties, Singer sets out to distinguish globalization from its earlier theoretical designation as internationalization, contending that it is necessary to bring forward a political structure that is beyond the existing, and confining, concept of the nation-state. One World Now rests entirely upon this premise and the author’s preoccupation with what he perceives as a scholarly and political gap: the importance of ethically debating global paradigms and arriving at better global solutions.

After a concise introductory chapter, the book gradually unfolds this proposal by examining four key issues: anthropogenic impact on the environment, the regulation of world trade, the limits of national sovereignty, and international aid to the world’s poorest and less developed countries. Singer begins by discussing the ecological problems posed by carbon emissions and the greater consequences of human activities on the environment. He does not propose any groundbreaking solutions and agrees to an “emissions trading” system, that would assign each country to a demographically determined level of emissions, as a way to equalize the use of energetic resources in poorer and richer countries with different population density.

He proceeds by evaluating the political role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the adequacy of its free trade policies by taking into consideration the polemics targeted against it. Accused of undemocratic procedures, debilitating national sovereignty, contributing to greater impoverishment and social exclusion in poorer nations, and of weighting economical interests over the environment, animal welfare and human rights, the WTO’s practices have known with considerable criticism. He assesses the validity of these charges and although he reckons that the WTO is in need of an urgent restructuring, he does not deny its vital role and importance in global affairs. He takes on a similar viewpoint concerning the enforcement of international law and the juridical performance of international courts, by essentially contrasting the strongest and weakest assets of international law organizations. He then headlines the importance of the United Nations in conflict resolution, advocating for a strengthening of its position and authority on a global scale.

Singer concludes One World Now with a final chapter that reverts to his seminal ethical arguments of the 1970s, reaffirming the importance of international aid and cooperation in helping those living in absolute poverty and balancing social disparities. He goes further to suggest that statements based upon the exclusivity of national interests ought to be abandoned entirely if we are to appropriately face the challenges of globalization. Albeit liberal, Singer clearly subscribes a utilitarian position, refusing to align with anti-globalization discourses, in his perspective what matters is not halting the process of globalization and the erosion of national boundaries, but to tackle it in a way that impartially promotes the well-being of the world’s inhabitants.

One World Now is a sum-up of the issues previously addressed in One World, chronologically updated with an analysis of the phenomenon of globalization in the most recent years. Due to its nature, the book relies strongly on empirical and referential data in detriment of the richness of an in-depth philosophical reflection. Singer does not provide the reader with any substantial original content either, be it in terms of theoretical or practical argumentation. The information is, nonetheless, clearly presented and summarized, Singer’s conceptual clarity and clear-cut prose make it an easy read, but the book fails in elaborating a more sophisticated analysis of one of today’s most pressing issues.

© 2017 Helena Barbagelata Simões

Helena Barbagelata Simões, received her B.A. in Political Science and International Relations with a Minor in History of Philosophy from Universidade Nova de Lisboa in 2013. She holds an Master’s degree in Languages, Literatures and Cultures and is currently working towards her Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Athens. She works as a researcher and freelance translator.