As many of the chapters in this volume indicate, some aspects of globalization present challenges to our accustomed ideas about democracy. For many, globalization means the global movement of capital and the increased exploitation of labor. In those places around the world where labor is inexpensive, global capitalists have set up manufacturing. In those places where labor is relatively expensive, the threat of possible relocation of production enhances capital-owners' bargaining position vis-à-vis labor. Where economic power is easily translated into political power, such globalization poses problems for democracy. In places where the World Bank and IMF have imposed structural adjustment policies, the poor who benefit from entitlements have suffered and, in the name of maintaining political control, governments have imposed constraints on democratic freedoms. In these ways, globalization can be seen as promoting antidemocratic tendencies.

However, there are some aspects of globalization that, far from endangering democracy, present new opportunities for democratic participation and popular influence to emerge and to affect international law-making. Increased population mobility opens up opportunities for people from very different cultures to mingle with and learn from each other. Vastly faster and less expensive means of long-distance communication, global media, and greater levels of interest in global issues enable and encourage groups and individuals to communicate. Ideas generated at the grass roots spread to, and influence, international diplomats and policy-makers and, in turn, ideas adopted in international fora are able to affect people's thinking and their daily lives with unprecedented speed.