It seems to me there are some significant differences in the global
economy, though the data are probably somewhat unreliable. For example,
the World Bank (1995) reports the following percentages for exports of
goods and nonfactor services as a fraction of GDP:
1970 1993
Low income 7% 20%
Lower middle income NA 22
Upper middle income 15 21
High income 14 20
Further, in 1995, with 20-25% of the stock of FDI, developing countries
received 40% of new flows, concentrated in the ones with a relatively
educated but low-paid workforce. Prior to the trade agreements of the
postwar era, poorer countries were coerced into becoming and remaining
raw materials exporters and FDI reflected that. They are now sometimes
getting the equipment, technology, and foreign markets to produce
sophisticated manufactured goods that compete with industrial country
workers. This must make a difference to their bargaining power, and to the
strategies necessary to winning strikes. June
June Zaccone, 90 La Salle St., Apt.21A, NYC 10027; 864-4493
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
National Jobs for All Coalition, 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 832, NY, NY
10115-0050 212-870-3449; Fax 870-3341 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ps I didn't choose 1970--the WB did.
