Economic globalization is characterized by unprecedented international flows of trade, investment, people, ideas, and culture. It promises improved living standards for all. However, it also comes with unprecedented levels of consumption, the straining of natural resources, and rising disparities between the rich and poor. In short, the purported global benefits come with global costs that in turn require global solutions. This week we will employ a variety of economic, ecological, and Christian ethical perspectives to assess the degree to which global capitalism is equitable, sustainable, or redeemable. The objective is to better understand our global economic system, its ecological context, as well as our Christian responsibilities to our neighbors here and abroad.
 

Dr. Reynold F. Nesiba is Associate Professor of Economics at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he has taught for the last 12 years. In addition to his on-campus teaching responsibilities, Reynold has led or co-led short-term study abroad trips to Australia (January 2005 and 2007) and to Nicaragua (Spring Breaks of 2004, 2006, and 2007). He also co-teaches an interdisciplinary course titled, "Is Globalization Sustainable?" as part of Augustana's Capstone program.