Economic Aspects of Social and Environmental Violence from a Buddhist Perspective
Author(s)
Sivaraksa, Sulak
Abstract
Sivaraksa writes on economic aspects of social and environmental violence from a Buddhist perspective. He notes that the present economic reality, widely known as neoliberal capitalism, prizes the accumulation of profits over human well-being and environmental sustainability. As such, it is criminal and hence definitely not the way to regulate or organize the global society. The main beneficiaries of this violent and highly unjust system are invariably transnational corporations, big financial investors, and their supporters. A large segment of humanity enjoys freedom with no opportunities and has the freedom to starve but does not enjoy freedom from poverty. Every day thousands of children are dying from easily preventable disease. Millions more are malnourished or starving. It is against this backdrop that one needs to discuss some of the economic aspects of social and environmental violence from a Buddhist perspective.
