Recently, a university sponsored a roundtable on the broader implications of international business. The participants were an anti-international business activist, a business executive with extensive international dealings, and a government trade official. Excerpts from the exchange present the diverse perspectives of market globalization held by different interest groups.

1. Do you think globalization and MNE activity are creating problems for the world? What kinds of problems can you identify? What are the unintended consequences of international business?

2. Summarize the arguments in favor of globalization made by the business executive. What is the role of technology in supporting company performance in a globalizing business environment?

3. What are the roles of state and federal governments in dealing with globalization? What is government’s role in protecting citizens from the potential negative effects of foreign MNEs conducting business in your country? What kinds of government actions would you recommend?

4. What is the role of education in: (i) addressing the problems raised in the roundtable; (ii) creating societies in which people can deal effectively with public policy issues; and (iii) creating citizens who can compete effectively in the global marketplace?