By Stephen F. Diamond

From 'Che' to China: Labor and Authoritarianism in the New Global Economy argues that globalization is not a progressive force that is giving rise to a new democratic capitalism. In fact, authoritarianism, in part influenced by neo-stalinist regimes and their intellectual architects such as 'Che' Guevara, remains an important political force and the new global capitalism itself is contributing to its persistence. In particular, the labor organization is now seen by authoritarian regimes as a source of power and control over the general population. To realize the democratic potential in the globalization process, a new autonomous labor movement responsible to its rank and file members must emerge. This requires an intellectual break with the consensus view that capitalism can safely accommodate healthy trade unions in a stable world order.

Stephen F. Diamond is a law professor and political scientist on the faculty of the School of Law at Santa Clara University. His research concentrates on the impact of globalization on social, political and financial institutions. He is co-editor with Lance Compa of Human Rights, Labor Rights and International Trade. He has a long history of involvement with the labor movement.

Vandeplas Publishing Labor Law Series 2, October 2009, Paperback, 260 pages