THE COLLAPSE OF GLOBALISM

THE BOOK OF THE MONTH - MARCH 2026

REVIEW BY MARIACRISTINA NATALIA BERTOLI, PhD

Have you ever read a book that felt 20 years too early? That’s exactly what it feels like to read John Ralston Saul’s The Collapse of Globalism and the Reinvention of the World (originally published in 2005) in the current political climate.

In a world reeling from populist movements, supply chain shocks, and renewed nationalism, Saul’s thesis isn't just relevant—it feels prophetic. If you are trying to make sense of the anti-globalist sentiment defining this decade, this book is essential reading.

THE CORE ARGUMENT: THE 'UNCONSCIOUS' IDEOLOGY

Saul argues that globalization was never an inevitable economic force, but rather a "globalist ideology" that gained momentum in the 1970s and 80s, fueled by market idolatry, technocratic management, and corporate deregulation.

The core argument is that globalism promised to make national governments irrelevant, creating a borderless world where international trade would lift all boats. Instead, Saul argues, it resulted in:

• The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few elites rather than the promised many.

  
  

• A "vacuum" in leadership where technocrats prioritised speculative finance over real economic growth.

  
  

• Cultural erosion leading to a rise in anxiety and nationalistic reactions.

  
  

THE KEY THEME: THE RISE OF NATION-STATES

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Saul’s claim that as globalism collapses, the nation-state is not dying—it is having a unexpected comeback.

He argues that when citizens feel their sovereignty has been eroded by international forces, they look to the nation-state to protect their interests, culture, and security.

However, this isn't necessarily a good thing; Saul warns that it leads to both positive civic nationalism and dangerous, ugly forms of nationalism.

Saul is particularly scathing of the "Davos elite"—the technocrats and political leaders who kept insisting the system was working even as regional economic crises (like in the 90s) proved otherwise.

In addition, he convincingly argues that much of the trade boom was actually corporate, internal movement of goods, and a lot of the wealth was created in the "ether" of mergers rather than true entrepreneurship.

WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT TODAY

While some might find his prose dense or his perspective strongly critical, the 2009 updated epilogue, which addresses the Great Recession, confirms his long-term prediction.

If you are trying to understand the "whys" behind Brexit, the rise of protectionist economic policies, or the shifting geopolitics of China and India, this book provides the historical blueprint for how we got here.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Collapse of Globalism is a challenging, insightful, and bitingly critical examination of modern capitalism. It is a "post-mortem" that warns us that the chaos and instability of the modern world are direct consequences of a flawed ideology.

• Verdict: Highly recommended for followers of geopolitics, economics, and history.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)

MASTER THE NEW GLOBAL LANDSCAPE

As John Ralston Saul points out, navigating today’s world requires more than just economic data—it demands a deep understanding of local contexts and the power of effective communication.

The "collapse" isn't the end of global interaction; it's the beginning of a more complex, nuanced era of international relations. Are you ready to lead in this shifting environment?

Join our courses to bridge the gap:

• Business English: Move beyond basic vocabulary and master the art of persuasion, negotiation, and professional clarity.

  
  

• Cultural Intelligence (CQ): Develop the essential skills to interpret diverse perspectives and succeed in any cultural setting.

  
  

Contact Us to secure your spot and turn global challenges into your competitive advantage.