The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and we must embrace this new reality by working together to solve common problems. Patricia Evangelista, CEO of the World Trade Organization (WTO), delivered a speech titled “A Borderless World” in 2015. She highlighted the importance of working together to create a world that is more just, equitable, and sustainable, and emphasized the need to break down the barriers that divide us, and build bridges of understanding and cooperation.
Patricia Evangelista’s speech “A Borderless World” presents a compelling vision of a world interconnected by shared values and a collective commitment to overcoming global challenges. Her message resonates with the aspirations of many who seek a harmonious and equitable world, transcending national boundaries and fostering a sense of global citizenship. However, a Marxist critique reveals the inherent tensions between Evangelista’s romantic vision and the harsh realities of class struggle and economic exploitation that continue to shape the global landscape.
Marxist theory offers a critical framework for examining the power dynamics and inequalities that form the basis of Evangelista’s advocacy for a world without borders. At its core, Marxism sees the world as a complex network of social connections influenced by profound class inequalities, rather than a collection of interconnected individuals. Capitalism, the dominant economic system, inevitably leads to conflict between the capitalist class, who own and control the means of production, and the working class, who must sell their labor to survive. This fundamental conflict penetrates politics, society, and culture, often at the expense of the working class.
From a Marxist perspective, Patricia Evangelista’s speech raises several important questions regarding the current state of the capitalist system. First, it is important to consider the role of capital in creating and maintaining borders. In a capitalist system, capital is invested in different industries and sectors, and the owners of this capital have a strong interest in maintaining the current system of private property and profit. Borders are a key part of this system, as they enable the creation and maintenance of artificial markets and protect the interests of capital. In this sense, Patricia Evangelista’s call to “break down the barriers that divide us” is at odds with the interests of the capitalist class.
Another important consideration is the role of the state in creating and maintaining a borderless world. In the Marxist view, the state is an instrument of the capitalist class, and it serves to protect the interests of capital and maintain the current system. The state creates and enforces immigration laws, which are designed to protect the interests of capital by restricting the movement of workers across borders. Patricia Evangelista’s call to break down these barriers runs counter to the interests of the capitalist class, which wants to maintain control over the labor market.