Mike Jay writes

The Institute of Ideas and the British Library present:

Trading Thoughts

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB

Date: 14 September, 2002 Time: 1.30pm - 5.00pm

Tickets: £15.00 (concessions including IoI Associates, £12.00) - includes
afternoon tea or coffee

Booking: Telephone 020 7412 7332 or email
boxoffice@bl.uk

An afternoon conference on the legacy and future of global trade. With the
Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development drawing to a close
Trading Thoughts, on Saturday 14th September, will be an opportunity to
examine and debate changing attitudes towards development.

Are poverty alleviation and environmental protection the best that we can
expect for the future? Have we lost faith in dramatic economic and political
change or have we rightly decided to rein in our hopes and expectations and
the activities of multinational corporations? Is the simpler life a happier
one?

The conference coincides with the
http://www.bl.uk/whatson/exhibitions/trading/home. html> British Library's
'Trading Places' exhibition commemorating the 400th anniversary of the
charter of the East India Company.

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1.30 - 1.45

Doors open

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1.45 - 3.15pm

The legacy of global trade

The East India Company, formed in 1602, has been described as the first ever
multinational. Centuries before 'globalisation' became a controversial
issue, the company carried goods, people and ideas across the globe. Was
this the beginning of a history of exploitation and oppression of the world
by Western colonial powers? Or is there something more positive to be said
about the legacy of global trade? What role did Asian and African countries
play in the development of the global economy, and how much have they
benefited, culturally and economically?

Speakers:

Frank Furedi author, Mythical Past, Elusive Future

John Keay author, The Honourable Company: A History of the English East
India Company

Maria Misra historian and broadcaster

Nick Robins Platform

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3.15 - 3.30

Tea and coffee

_____

3.30 - 5.00pm

The future of global trade

Critics of global trade and 'neoliberal' policies condemn multinational
corporations for profiting from the impoverishment of millions of people in
the South. Some are opposed to globalisation itself, preferring a return to
local 'sustainable' economies; others favour a more democratically
accountable form of international economy. Supporters of free trade argue
that only the global market can bring economic development to poor
countries. What is the best way to manage global trade for the benefit of
all concerned?

Speakers:

Daniel Ben-Ami author, Cowardly Capitalism

Nigel Harris author, The Return of Cosmopolitan Capital

Michael Mosbacher Social Affairs Unit

Andrew Simms New Economics Foundation