But it is always hazardous to use established trends to predict the future. The world
may be moving toward a more global economic system, but globalization is not inevitable.
Countries may pull back from the recent commitment to liberal economic ideology if
their experiences do not match their expectations. Periodic signs, for example, indicate
a retreat from liberal economic ideology in Russia. Russia has experienced considerable
economic pain as it tries to shift from a centrally planned economy to a market economy.
If Russia’s hesitation were to become more permanent and widespread, the liberal vision
of a more prosperous global economy based on free market principles might not occur as
quickly as many hope.