Global Economy, Corporate Power and Environmental Crisis: A Critical Review
Keywords:
Consumerism, Corporate Power, David Korten, Environmental Crisis, Global Economy, Inhumane Economy, Local Self-Reliance, Social Justice , Spiritual Awakening, Social Justice, Alternative Development Models, Information Economy, Capitalist System, Democracy and Media, Eco friendly Economy, Ideological CritiqueAbstract
This paper presents a critical examination of the global economic system, corporate power, and the environmental crisis through the lens of David Korten’s thought. In an era marked by technological advancement and apparent progress, the human race faces growing socio-economic inequality, ecological degradation, and democratic decline. Korten challenges the dominant narrative of neoliberal globalization and exposes the structural flaws of a profit-driven, corporate-led economy. Contrasting sharply with Alvin Toffler's optimistic vision of the information age, Korten sees the centralization of power and disconnection from nature as symptoms of systemic failure. The study analyzes how corporate influence shapes political, economic, and cultural life, leading to widespread social alienation and environmental collapse. Korten's advocacy for a "life centered" economy rooted in local self-reliance, moral responsibility, and spiritual renewal offers a compelling alternative framework. This research underscores the need for systemic transformation that prioritizes human dignity, ecological balance, and community well-being over short-term profits.
