Think Locally and Act Globally: Understanding Human Development in the Era of Globalisation

Abstract

For well over two decades the phrase “Think Global, Act Local” shaped the rhet- oric used by social movements, environmental activists and intellectuals critical of the neoliberal narrative of globalisation. The intention was to obtains ideas and solutions elaborated in various parts of the world implemented in local commu- nities and to give special meaning to progressive proposals of international social movement contesting globalisation. This approach could certainly be beneficial in terms of the diffusion of good environmental practices or spreading civil society ideas in developing countries.

However, when global ideas reach local ground, they remain global ideas, and sometimes very foreign ones, which may take over or eclipse local concepts in unintended or less-than-ideal ways. Occasionally, this approach could even lead to overpowering what is local instead of empowering it. Therefore, having the empowerment of local communities in mind, we propose that those who really contest globalisation of the neoliberal narrative should turn the tables and work to “Think Locally, Act Globally.”