The World(market)society

The cross-border trade with services and data is increasing, and human beings are becoming commodities. Market mechanisms continue to assert themselves, and the vision of a global society based on universal values is trampled underfoot − a mere illusion?

As part of the 18^th Karlsruhe Talks, the film night goes in search of answers to the questions as to the chances and the risks that a »world(market)society« conceals.
 

PARADISIACAL?

Approximately 20 to 30 billion dollars are concealed in tax havens − an amount corresponding to two thirds of global debt. As a consequence of increasingly comprehensive tax dodging entire states are threatening to collapse: »Time Bomb Tax Dodge − When Will the System Collapse?«
 

PROFITABLE?

Agricultural lands are considered the most profitable form of investments in the 21^st century. The scramble for prime agricultural lands in underdeveloped countries is enormous − and these continue to be sold in spite of the famines acutely endangering native populations: »Third World sellout?«
 

GOOD VALUE?

Globalization has long-since reached the sickroom. Whereas, in former times, cosmetic surgery and dental treatment were offered in Far East, the lure is now high-tech medicine at affordable prices: »My Bypass from Bangkok − The Health Tourism Business«.
 

ENLIGHTENED?

In 2002 Google began constructing a global library and entered into contract with the largest university libraries. Authors throughout the world subsequently began campaigning for their copyrights. »Google and the Power of Knowledge«: a film about the failed knowledge monopoly of the Internet giants.
 

Program