In Defense of Global Capitalism

Johan Norberg’s book *In Defense of Global Capitalism* (originally published in Swedish as *Till världskapitalismens försvar*) promotes economic globalization and free trade. The book, released by the Swedish think tank Timbro in May 2001, argues that capitalism and globalization have reduced poverty, increased life expectancy, and improved living standards worldwide. Norberg attributes these improvements to economic and technological advancements resulting from free market policies. He highlights that poor countries adopting liberalized economies have achieved significant progress, while those resisting such reforms remain in poverty.

The book has been widely translated into over a dozen languages, including English, German, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, and others, with additional translations available in Arabic, Russian, and Mongolian by 2008. It also inspired the 2003 Channel 4 documentary *Globalisation is Good*, presented by Norberg.

Reception to the book has been largely positive. Reviewers such as Nick Gillespie, Samuel Brittan, Anne Applebaum, Ben Stein, William H. Peterson, Dave O'Brien, and Jacqueline Thorpe praised Norberg for his evidence-based arguments, moral stance on globalization, and ability to counter anti-capitalist claims with facts and examples. Leszek Balcerowicz commended Norberg as a skilled communicator of liberal ideas, while Torbjörn Tännsjö acknowledged the book’s appeal even within socialist circles.

The work has earned awards, including the Antony Fisher Memorial Award in 2002. The book is often compared to *The Capitalist Manifesto: Why the Global Free Market Will Save the World* and Norberg has been likened to figures like Naomi Klein for his defense of capitalism.