The Globalization of Inequality

Why Inequality Defines Our Global Moment

Globalization promised faster growth, broader opportunity, and a shrinking distance between rich and poor nations. Yet the gap between individuals worldwide remains vast, and many countries now face rising inequality at home. François Bourguignon’s The Globalization of Inequality cuts through the noise with a clear-eyed account of what has actually happened to income distribution in recent decades.

Distinguishing Global from National Trends

Bourguignon carefully separates two questions that often get blurred. First, has inequality between all people on the planet fallen as large developing economies grow? Second, why have many wealthy and middle-income countries experienced widening gaps between their own richest and poorest citizens? He uses concrete data and simple reasoning to show how both patterns can coexist.

The Forces Reshaping Distribution

Trade, technology, and policy choices interact in ways that reward some groups while leaving others behind. Rather than offering a one-cause explanation, Bourguignon explains how these forces combine to shift wages, profits, and opportunities across borders. His approach helps readers see the economic mechanisms beneath today’s political tensions.

Toward a Fairer Globalization

The book does not stop at diagnosis. Bourguignon lays out principles for making globalization more inclusive and evaluates practical policy options—from education and redistribution to international cooperation. The discussion stays accessible while remaining intellectually honest about trade-offs.

A Concise and Trusted Guide

Written originally for a wide audience and expanded for this English edition, the book maintains a commitment to clarity and brevity. It is an ideal starting point for students, policymakers, and anyone who wants to understand one of the defining economic issues of our time.