I think that it would be interesting to see how religion would play into the world system. It is possible that we would see alliances and divisions based on differences in religion. Maybe when each culture is being created and they decide on a religion, they can determine if they would be the kind of culture that would want to prostelytize those with different beliefs or if they would just keep to themsleves in that sense. Because as we look at colonization and globalization I think that we see that especially with Christianity, as commerce spreads so does Chrisitanity. Also as we have immigrations of refugees they would bring with them their religion into their new state, and so there could be internal divisions based on differences in beliefs. So as the world sim plays out we will see how different states/the world reacts to differences in beliefs, and how they can either work together, or how it may keep a state from functioning as a whole.
One example of how religion has played into the globalization of our world is in Ecuador(and elsewhere) where missionaries (working with the monetary aid of oil companies) witnessed to and pacified the Huaorani indians who had previouslly resisted the encroachment of oil companies. After they were pacified the oil companies could then begin drilling in the area without fear of the Indians, and now the land has been destroyed and the Huaorani culture has been completely chaned. And so in this case the spread of Christianity facilitated the work of the oil companies.
mwesch wrote:
> Hi class,
> Post your world simulation ideas here. Read Wallerstein, Lappe & Collins, and the first 2 pages of Wolf. Using the ideas you gather there, re-write the rules and post them here.

This page looks at the corellation between poverty and women, and how the majority of people in the world living on less than 1 dollar a day are women. This is called the feminization of poverty. The page looks at  how globalization has effected the role of women and how change can be made.

Site has a breakdown of a number of different models used by microfinance institutions, including the Grameen bank model created by Dr. Yumus, and those of NGOs.

Site has a breakdown of a number of different models used by microfinance institutions, including the Grameen bank model created by Dr. Yumus, and those of NGOs.

Oxfam international is a confederation of multiple organizations that work together to find solutions to poverty and injustice. They view many of the problems being the result of globalization. The site includes information on their policies, studies, programs and analysis.

Article that criticizes specifically Bob Geldof, Bono, Tony Blair, and others behind the Group of Eight, but more broadely all westerners who believe that those in Africa need a savior, that its the White Man's Burden, to help those in need, and that we have the right answers and they can't make smart choices for themselves.

Another campaign that was maybe too much like Easterly's "Planner" as its members disbanded last year after increasing awareness and pressuring governments to relieve absolute poverty. The campaign was formed from members of trade unions, charities, religious groups, and many celebrities. In the US the campaign was known as the ONE campaign.

Another campaign that was maybe too much like Easterly's "Planner" as its members disbanded last year after increasing awareness and pressuring governments to relieve absolute poverty. The campaign was formed from members of trade unions, charities, religious groups, and many celebrities. In the US the campaign was known as the ONE campaign.

Overview of the history of Microcredit, as well as some of the banks and loan organizations that are considered as microfinance institutions. Also has principles of microfinance, as well as sections on strengths and criticisms.

This is the website for the Millennium Project which Easterly uses as an example in his discussion of Planners. The project has laid out a number of goals (MDG's) which the project will use to address the many forms of extreme poverty.

Article that gives an example of a "Planner", the Group of Eight, that is failing to meet its Big Plans/Goals.

Short video on how technology will affect/improve the potential of microfinance. He talks about how they tried a village computing center, but also how they (Grameen Bank) are working on using mobile phones that will allow borrowers to access bank accounts, and connect to customers to improve business transactions, and many other things.  

A video that criticizes the G8's debt relief because even though it tells the people that their debt will be cancelled, they then tell them how and when they can invest their money, rather than allowing the people to make their own decisions.

Debate on microcredit and its effectiveness as a solution to poverty. One of the ladies says that microcredit is only a solution in some contexts, and that it others contexts it can actually create problems, where it can create a new kind of debt trap.

Article that was written in response to Jeffrey Sachs "The End of Poverty". This article, like that of Easterly's, states that what is needed is a new model of poverty solution, His suggestion is that government's role should not be of manager or director of change, but rather just a catalyst for change. Also the author believes there needs to be a focus on farming, and incentives, loans, and tax breaks to help build rural areas.

This organization works to fight against poverty by providing health care and development to those communities and families that can't afford it. Interestingly, on its mission statement page, one of its operating principles listed is Accountability, which is what Easterly said was one of the things that seperated planners and searchers.

This site looks at multiple issues, one being poverty, and different definitions, facts, stories, discussions, and proposed solutions. Its solutions focuses on the Millenium Developmental Goals that Easterly talked about in his discussion of Planners.

This site explores some social and historical causes of poverty, as well as other issues, in a number of countries including the US. It also has testimonies of those who have struggled with poverty and different organizations and ways to get involved to help the cause of the people around the world.

Interesting site that lets you know where you are at financially compared to the rest of the world.

CARE seems like it has some of Easterly's Planner tendencies in that it has some Big Goals
(and celebrity faces on its homepage) but it seems that many of its methods are more those of searchers in that it gets involved with local families and communities to understand the problems they face and ways that they can help them.

This video show how both African and American farming families struggle because of commodity subsidies given to producers from the US government. In this case there are a few number of farmers that benefit while the majority suffer. Here we can see how choices made by our gaovernment affect not only us but others as well.

This video show how both African and American farming families struggle because of commodity subsidies given to producers from the US government. In this case there are a few number of farmers that benefit while the majority suffer. Here we can see how choices made by our gaovernment affect not only us but others as well.